Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a property that all living cells share according to the course definition of life?

Accepted Answer

They always contain a nucleus.

Question 2

Which biomolecule is primarily responsible for forming the selectively permeable barrier of cells?

Accepted Answer

Lipids

Question 3

A mature red blood cell in humans lacks DNA and mitochondria. Which property of life does it NOT fulfill?

Accepted Answer

Energy transformation

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why lipids are well-suited to form biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

They are hydrophobic and can form a barrier to water-soluble substances.

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of nucleic acids in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing and transmitting genetic information

Question 6

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic cells is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Their DNA is circular.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a main biomolecule supporting the properties of life?

Accepted Answer

Vitamins

Question 8

Which property of life is most directly related to the process of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Change in heritable characteristics over generations

Question 9

Which of the following best describes why viruses are not considered fully alive by most biologists?

Accepted Answer

They cannot replicate independently outside a host cell.

Question 10

Which of the following equations correctly represents the formation of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{ADP} + \mathrm{P_i} \rightarrow \mathrm{ATP} + \mathrm{H_2O}$$

Question 11

Which of the following is a unique feature of eukaryotic cells compared to prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Linear chromosomes

Question 12

Which biomolecule is most directly involved in catalyzing chemical reactions and responding to environmental changes?

Accepted Answer

Proteins

Question 13

A scientist discovers a new organism that is membrane delimited, stores and uses energy, and responds to its environment, but cannot replicate on its own. According to the course definition, is this organism alive?

Accepted Answer

No, because it cannot self-replicate.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of carbohydrates in living cells?

Accepted Answer

They are the main source of energy.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct comparison between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus; prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Change in heritable characteristics of populations over generations

Question 18

Which of the following is the smallest unit that meets all the properties of life?

Accepted Answer

Cell

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of a property of life being supported by a biomolecule?

Accepted Answer

DNA storing genetic instructions for making proteins

Question 20

Which of the following statements about viruses is TRUE based on the course definition of life?

Accepted Answer

Viruses can store and transmit genetic information.

Introduction to Biology: Properties of Life, Biomolecules, and Cell Types

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards