Question 1

Which of the following best describes the scientific method as used in biology?

Accepted Answer

A process of hypothesis-based inquiry involving observations, predictions, and experiments to explain natural phenomena.

Question 2

Which property of water allows ice to float on liquid water, and why is this biologically significant?

Accepted Answer

Water's lower density as a solid than as a liquid; it insulates aquatic life during winter.

Question 3

Which equation correctly expresses the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration in a solution?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of an emergent property at the level of biological organization?

Accepted Answer

The function of a heart arising from the interaction of cardiac cells.

Question 5

A buffer in a biological system is important because it:

Accepted Answer

Maintains a constant pH by taking up or releasing hydrogen ions.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds between water molecules require more energy to break.

Question 7

Which type of chemical bond involves the sharing of a pair of valence electrons between two atoms?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond

Question 8

Which of the following statements about carbon is TRUE and explains its central role in organic chemistry?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct example of a condensation (dehydration) reaction in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Linking two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide with the release of a water molecule.

Question 10

Which level of protein structure is characterized by alpha helices and beta pleated sheets stabilized by hydrogen bonds?

Accepted Answer

Secondary structure

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a unifying theme in biology?

Accepted Answer

All organisms are composed of only one cell

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable prediction; a theory is a well-supported explanation of natural phenomena.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of carbohydrates in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Fuel storage and structural components

Question 14

Which statement about nucleic acids is correct?

Accepted Answer

They store, replicate, and transmit genetic information.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the structure of a phospholipid?

Accepted Answer

A polar head and two nonpolar hydrocarbon tails

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct example of reductionism in biology?

Accepted Answer

Breaking down a cell into its organelles to study their individual functions.

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE about isotopes?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct example of a hydrogen bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to oxygen and another electronegative atom.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of proteins in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Structural components, enzymes, transport, and hormones

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why evolution is considered the central theme in biology?

Accepted Answer

It explains the diversity and unity of life through changes in DNA over time.

General Biology Study Notes: Scientific Process, Chemistry of Life, and Biological Molecules

Study Guide - Practice Questions