Question 1

Which of the following is NOT one of Daniel Koshland's Seven Pillars of Life?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 2

Viruses are often debated as being alive or not. Which property do viruses possess that supports the argument that they are 'alive'?

Accepted Answer

They can make copies of themselves

Question 3

Prions differ from viruses in which fundamental way?

Accepted Answer

Prions are infectious proteins without nucleic acids

Question 4

The Miller-Urey experiment was significant because it demonstrated:

Accepted Answer

The production of amino acids from non-living chemical reactions

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA)?

Accepted Answer

A hypothetical organism with approximately 55 universally shared genes

Question 6

Which step in the scientific method involves making a testable explanation for an observed phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis formation

Question 7

A flashlight does not work. You hypothesize that the batteries are dead. What is the next step according to the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Replace the batteries and test the prediction

Question 8

Which of the following is a real-world example of scientific communication?

Accepted Answer

Presenting research at a scientific conference

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a major question in biology as listed in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

How do we build bridges?

Question 10

A bacterium that can grow using arsenic instead of phosphorus challenges which traditional biological concept?

Accepted Answer

All life requires phosphorus for its genetic material

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Observation → Question → Hypothesis → Experiment → Data Analysis

Question 12

Which of the following is a plausible reason why prions are difficult to transmit between individuals?

Accepted Answer

Prions require ingestion of contaminated tissue for transmission

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a plausible career path for someone with a biology degree, according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical engineering

Question 14

If a student wants to increase their test mark after the first exam, what must they do according to the course logistics?

Accepted Answer

Correct the questions they got wrong and provide reasoning for the correct answers

Question 15

Which of the following is a key theme for the semester in this biology course?

Accepted Answer

What is life?

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct application of the scientific method to a real-world scenario?

Accepted Answer

Observing plant growth, hypothesizing that sunlight affects growth, and testing by growing plants in different light conditions

Question 17

Which of the following is a reason why reading and understanding other scientists' work is important?

Accepted Answer

It allows scientists to build on previous knowledge and avoid repeating mistakes

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible misconception about prions?

Accepted Answer

Prions contain nucleic acids

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of water and carbon in biology?

Accepted Answer

Water and carbon are fundamental to the structure and function of biological molecules

Question 20

If a scientist wants to test whether a new drug improves memory in rats, which step should come immediately after forming a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Design and conduct an experiment with control and experimental groups

Introduction to the Study of Life: Cells and Molecules

Study Guide - Practice Questions