Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Question 2

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What will most likely happen to the cell, and why?

Accepted Answer

It will swell and possibly burst as water enters by osmosis.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of negative feedback in homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

Release of insulin to lower blood glucose after a meal.

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents the process of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6$ + 6O_2$$

Question 5

A patient is unable to produce sufficient insulin. Which organ system is primarily affected, and what is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Endocrine system; elevated blood glucose levels

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why oxygen diffuses from alveoli into the blood in human lungs?

Accepted Answer

The partial pressure of oxygen is higher in the alveoli than in the blood.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in a typical immune response to a bacterial infection?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytes engulf bacteria, helper T cells activate B cells, antibodies are produced

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the sodium-potassium pump in neuron physiology?

Accepted Answer

It maintains the resting membrane potential by moving $$3Na^+$$ out and $$2K^+ in $$per ATP hydrolyzed.

Question 9

A plant cell is placed in a solution with a lower water potential than its cytoplasm. What will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will lose water and plasmolyze.

Question 10

Which of the following is a direct result of the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Fixation of carbon dioxide into glucose

Question 11

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating ovulation in the human female reproductive cycle?

Accepted Answer

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why marine bony fish must actively excrete salt through their gills?

Accepted Answer

They live in a hyperosmotic environment and lose water by osmosis.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct description of the flow of blood through the mammalian heart?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary artery → lungs → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of stomata in vascular plants?

Accepted Answer

Regulate gas exchange and water loss

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of myelin in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Myelin increases the speed of action potential conduction along axons.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why a deficiency in dietary iron can lead to anemia?

Accepted Answer

Iron is required for the synthesis of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells.

Question 17

Which of the following is a direct effect of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) on the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Increases water reabsorption in the collecting ducts

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between structure and function in animal tissues?

Accepted Answer

Connective tissue provides support and binds other tissues.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of helper T cells in the immune system?

Accepted Answer

They activate B cells and cytotoxic T cells.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why transpiration is important for vascular plants?

Accepted Answer

It drives the upward movement of water and minerals from roots to leaves.

Weekly Topics and Study Guide for College Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions