Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A well-substantiated explanation supported by extensive evidence and repeated testing.

Question 2

In a controlled experiment testing the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, which variable should be kept constant?

Accepted Answer

The type of plant used in each group.

Question 3

Which formula is used to calculate the mean (average) of a data set?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{\sum x_i}{n}$$

Question 4

A researcher measures the heights of 10 plants and finds a mean of 15 cm with a standard deviation of 2 cm. What percentage of plants are expected to fall within 1 standard deviation of the mean in a normal distribution?

Accepted Answer

68%

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents the calculation of standard error?

Accepted Answer

$$SE = \frac{s}{\sqrt{n}}$$

Question 6

What does it mean if error bars on two data sets do NOT overlap?

Accepted Answer

There is a significant difference between the data sets.

Question 7

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating the chi-square ($$\$$chi^2$$) value?

Accepted Answer

$$\$$chi^2$$ = \sum \frac{(O - E)^2$}{E}$$

Question 8

Which property of water allows it to move upward through plant stems against gravity?

Accepted Answer

Capillary action

Question 9

Why is ice less dense than liquid water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds in ice form a crystalline structure that spaces molecules farther apart.

Question 10

Which functional group is commonly found in amino acids and is responsible for their acidic properties?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-COOH)$$

Question 11

Which type of chemical bond involves the sharing of electrons unequally between atoms, resulting in partial charges?

Accepted Answer

Polar covalent bond

Question 12

Which of the following statements about saturated and unsaturated fats is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fats contain double bonds and are liquid at room temperature.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing biochemical reactions

Question 14

Which part of a nucleotide is responsible for storing genetic information?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogenous base

Question 15

Which process joins two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis

Question 16

Which property of water is most important for maintaining stable temperatures in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

High specific heat

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Buffers maintain a stable pH by absorbing or releasing H+ ions.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a trace element required by living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Iron

Question 19

Which property of carbon allows it to form a wide variety of stable organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Tetravalency, allowing four covalent bonds

Question 20

Which of the following is TRUE about phospholipids in cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

They form bilayers with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life – General Biology Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards