Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of osmosis in a living cell?

Accepted Answer

The movement of water molecules from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration across a selectively permeable membrane.

Question 2

A scientist observes that water beads up on a freshly waxed car. Which property of water is primarily responsible for this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the dissociation of sodium chloride ($$\mathrm{NaCl}) in $$water?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{NaCl} \rightarrow \mathrm{Na}^+ + \mathrm{Cl}^-$$

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

No net movement of water into or out of the cells; cell volume remains stable.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why oil does not dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Oil molecules are hydrophobic and do not interact favorably with water molecules.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct description of a peptide bond?

Accepted Answer

A covalent bond formed between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another.

Question 7

A cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Water will leave the cell, causing it to shrink.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Glucose moving into a cell through a membrane protein channel down its concentration gradient.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the primary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The unique linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Question 10

Which of the following molecules is classified as a monosaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 11

A researcher adds a drop of hydrochloric acid ($$\mathrm{HCl}) to a $$solution. What is the expected effect on the pH of the solution?

Accepted Answer

The pH will decrease, making the solution more acidic.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump ($$\mathrm{Na^+/K^+}$$ ATPase) in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It uses ATP to move sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell against their concentration gradients.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct representation of a dehydration synthesis reaction forming a disaccharide?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$} + \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$} \rightarrow \mathrm{C$$_{12}$$H_{22}O$$_{11}} + \mathrm{H_2O}$

Question 14

Which of the following statements about amphipathic molecules is correct?

Accepted Answer

They contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of enzymes in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

They lower the activation energy required for chemical reactions to occur.

Question 16

A mutation causes a change in the R-group of an amino acid in a protein. Which level of protein structure is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Tertiary structure

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct definition of a covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

A chemical bond formed by the sharing of one or more pairs of electrons between two atoms.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between passive and active transport across a cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

Passive transport does not require energy, while active transport requires energy (usually ATP).

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct example of a polymer and its monomer?

Accepted Answer

Starch (polymer) and glucose (monomer)

Key Terms and Concepts in General Biology: Molecular and Cellular Foundations

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