Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation supported by a large body of evidence.

Question 2

Which of the following correctly lists the levels of biological organization from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Molecule, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism

Question 3

A patient is given intravenous fluids that are isotonic to their blood plasma. What effect will this have on their red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

The red blood cells will remain unchanged because there is no net movement of water.

Question 4

Which functional group is characterized by the formula $\mathrm{R{-}COOH}$ and is commonly found in amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl

Question 5

Which of the following statements about water is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Water has a high specific heat due to hydrogen bonding.

Question 6

A cell is placed in a solution with a lower solute concentration than its cytoplasm. What type of solution is this, and what will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic; the cell will gain water and may burst.

Question 7

Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 8

Which of the following is a property shared by all living things?

Accepted Answer

Response to environmental stimuli

Question 9

Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for storing genetic information?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acids

Question 10

A scientist wants to observe the detailed internal structure of a mitochondrion. Which microscopy technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Electron microscopy – transmission

Question 11

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules down their concentration gradient through a membrane protein

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 13

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{pH = -\log_{10}[H^+]}$

Question 14

Which of the following is a major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why carbon is so important in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds, allowing for complex molecules.

Question 16

A cell is observed to have a cell wall, central vacuole, and chloroplasts. What type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct description of osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from low to high solute concentration

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Modification and sorting of proteins

Question 19

Which of the following macromolecules is most likely to contain a sulfhydryl group ($\mathrm{-SH}$)?

Accepted Answer

Proteins

Question 20

A researcher observes that a solution resists changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

The solution contains a buffer system.

General Biology Study Guide: Themes, Chemistry, Cells, and Membranes

Study Guide - Practice Questions