Question 1

Which of the following best describes the unifying themes of biology as outlined in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Organization, Information, Energy and Matter, Interactions, Evolution

Question 2

A scientist is studying a fossil and finds that the ratio of parent to daughter isotopes is 1:3. If the half-life of the isotope is 2,000 years, how old is the fossil?

Accepted Answer

$4,000$ years

Question 3

Which statement about DNA is correct according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into protein.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method as described in the materials?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring unexpected results

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why water has a high specific heat?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonding between water molecules requires more energy to change temperature.

Question 6

A molecule of water (H$_2$O) is described as a polar molecule. What causes this polarity?

Accepted Answer

The unequal sharing of electrons between oxygen and hydrogen atoms

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between an element and a compound?

Accepted Answer

An element cannot be broken down by chemical reactions, while a compound consists of two or more elements in a fixed ratio.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct statement about isotopes?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond formed by the sharing of a pair of valence electrons between two atoms

Question 10

Which of the following is a real-world application of radioactive isotopes as described in the materials?

Accepted Answer

PET scanners monitoring the growth and metabolism of cancers in the body

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why carbon is the basis for the molecular diversity of life?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form four covalent bonds, allowing for a variety of stable structures.

Question 12

A solution has a pH of 4. How does its hydrogen ion concentration compare to a solution with a pH of 7?

Accepted Answer

It is $1,000$ times higher.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a hypothesis in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

If fertilizer is added to soil, then plant growth will increase.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of producers in the transfer and transformation of energy and matter?

Accepted Answer

Producers generate chemical energy that supports the rest of the ecosystem.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the levels of biological organization?

Accepted Answer

Tissues are made up of cells, and organs are made up of tissues.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the concept of electronegativity in a covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

Electronegativity is an atom's attraction for the electrons in a covalent bond.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct example of a polar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

The bond between oxygen and hydrogen in a water molecule

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of ATP in cells?

Accepted Answer

ATP stores and releases energy for cellular processes.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about hydrogen bonds?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds form when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to one electronegative atom is attracted to another electronegative atom.

Question 20

A researcher wants to test the effect of a new drug on cell growth. Which of the following is the best example of a control in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

A group of cells that does not receive the drug

General Biology Study Notes: Evolution, Biological Themes, and Chemical Context of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards