Question 1

Which of the following best describes the three domains of life on a phylogenetic tree, and what distinguishes the domain Eukarya from the other two?

Accepted Answer

The three domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya; Eukarya is distinguished by having membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a defining feature of living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Ability to move independently

Question 3

Which statement correctly compares scientific laws, theories, and hypotheses?

Accepted Answer

A theory is a well-substantiated explanation, a law describes a consistent relationship, and a hypothesis is a testable prediction.

Question 4

Which of the following is an essential element of a scientific experiment designed to test a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A control group that does not receive the experimental treatment

Question 5

Given an element with atomic number $$Z$$ and mass number $$A$$, which equation correctly relates the number of neutrons ($$N) in $$the atom?

Accepted Answer

$$N = A - Z$$

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between covalent and ionic bonds?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons, while ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons.

Question 7

Which of the following interactions is most likely to occur between two polar molecules?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonding

Question 8

Which part of an amino acid monomer determines its unique chemical properties?

Accepted Answer

The R group (side chain)

Question 9

What type of bond forms between the monomers of a protein during protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Peptide bond

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between a condensation reaction and a hydrolysis reaction?

Accepted Answer

A condensation reaction forms a bond and releases water, while a hydrolysis reaction breaks a bond using water.

Question 11

Which of the following forces is primarily responsible for the secondary structure of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds between backbone atoms

Question 12

Which of the following is the monomer that makes up nucleic acids?

Accepted Answer

Nucleotide

Question 13

Which of the following was NOT critical information for Watson and Crick in determining the structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

The presence of uracil in DNA

Question 14

Which of the following is a key difference between RNA and DNA?

Accepted Answer

RNA contains ribose sugar, while DNA contains deoxyribose sugar.

Question 15

Which naming strategy is used for a six-carbon sugar with an aldehyde group?

Accepted Answer

Aldohexose

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between a monosaccharide, disaccharide, and polysaccharide?

Accepted Answer

A monosaccharide is a single sugar unit, a disaccharide is two sugar units, and a polysaccharide is many sugar units.

Question 17

Why are carbohydrates considered 'energy molecules' in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

They have many C-H bonds that can be oxidized to release energy.

Question 18

Which of the following polysaccharides is used for energy storage in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 19

A scientist wants to test the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. Which of the following is the best example of a hypothesis for this experiment?

Accepted Answer

If plants are given the new fertilizer, then they will grow taller than plants without it.

Question 20

Which of the following correctly matches the type of bond with the biological macromolecule it forms?

Accepted Answer

Phosphodiester bond – nucleic acids

Unit 1: Introduction and Biological Molecules – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards