Question 1

Which of the following best describes the core theme of biology?

Accepted Answer

Evolution explains both the unity and diversity of life.

Question 2

A scientist is testing the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. She gives one group of plants the fertilizer and another group no fertilizer. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Whether or not the plants receive fertilizer.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about water is correct?

Accepted Answer

Water has a high specific heat, which helps moderate Earth's climate.

Question 4

Which subatomic particle determines the atomic number of an element?

Accepted Answer

Proton

Question 5

A solution has a pH of 4. What is the hydrogen ion concentration $[H^+]$ of this solution?

Accepted Answer

$[H^+] = 1 	imes 10^{-4}$ M

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why ice floats on liquid water?

Accepted Answer

Ice is less dense than liquid water because its molecules are arranged in a lattice that keeps them farther apart.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a functional group and its property?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group: acts as an acid

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between a hypothesis and a theory in science?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific, testable statement, while a theory is a broad explanation supported by a large body of evidence.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the process of dehydration synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Joining two monomers together by removing a molecule of water.

Question 10

A patient is diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Which enzyme is most likely deficient in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Lactase

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why carbon is the backbone of biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds, allowing for a diversity of stable structures.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct description of a phospholipid's structure and function?

Accepted Answer

It has a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails; it forms the main component of cell membranes.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the relationship between DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA stores genetic information, while RNA helps translate that information into proteins.

Question 14

A scientist finds that a certain protein loses its function when exposed to high heat. What is the most likely explanation for this observation?

Accepted Answer

The protein is denatured, causing it to lose its three-dimensional shape.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent for ionic compounds?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules form hydrogen bonds with ions, surrounding and separating them.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct example of a trace element and its biological importance?

Accepted Answer

Iron: essential for oxygen transport in blood

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fats are solid at room temperature; unsaturated fats are usually liquid.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of enzymes in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes act as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct base pairing in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Adenine pairs with thymine

Question 20

A population of beetles is exposed to a new pesticide. After several generations, most beetles are resistant to the pesticide. Which process best explains this change?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

General Biology: Study Guide on the Chemistry and Characteristics of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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