Question 1

A student is conducting an experiment to test the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. Which of the following best represents the correct sequence of steps in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Make observations, form a hypothesis, conduct an experiment, analyze data, draw conclusions

Question 2

A solution has a pH of 5. If you add a buffer to this solution and then add a small amount of strong acid, what is most likely to happen to the pH?

Accepted Answer

The pH will decrease slightly, but remain close to 5

Question 3

Convert 45 millimeters (mm) to centimeters (cm). Use the metric conversion $$1\ \mathrm{cm} = 10\ \mathrm{mm}.$$

Accepted Answer

$$4.5\ \mathrm{cm}$$

Question 4

You are given an unknown solution and a standard curve relating pH to absorbance. If the absorbance of your unknown is $$0.35$$, and the standard curve equation is $$\mathrm{pH} = 2.5 	imes \mathrm{Absorbance} + 4.0$$, what is the pH of your unknown?

Accepted Answer

$$4.88$$

Question 5

Which of the following molecules is considered organic?

Accepted Answer

C$$_6H$_{12}O$_6 ($$glucose)

Question 6

A student performs a Benedict's test on four solutions. Which result indicates the presence of reducing sugars?

Accepted Answer

A color change from blue to orange

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They act as enzymes to speed up chemical reactions

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct identification of the basic structure of an amino acid?

Accepted Answer

A central carbon atom bonded to an amino group ($$-\mathrm{NH}_2$$), a carboxyl group ($$-\mathrm{COOH}$$), a hydrogen atom, and an R group

Question 9

A student observes a cell under a microscope and notes the presence of a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. What type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of the compound light microscope's condenser?

Accepted Answer

Magnifying the specimen

Question 11

Which of the following statements correctly compares plant and animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Plant cells have cell walls and chloroplasts, while animal cells do not

Question 12

A student is asked to identify an unknown sample. The sample tests positive with Biuret reagent, but negative with iodine and Sudan IV. What type of biological molecule is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Protein

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why buffers are important in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

They help maintain a stable pH, which is critical for enzyme function

Question 14

A student needs to convert $$0.75$$ liters to milliliters. Use the metric conversion $$1\ \mathrm{L} = 1000\ \mathrm{mL}. $$What is the correct answer?

Accepted Answer

$$750\ \mathrm{mL}$$

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of an inorganic molecule?

Accepted Answer

NaCl (sodium chloride)

Question 16

A student observes a specimen under the microscope using the 40x objective lens and a 10x ocular lens. What is the total magnification?

Accepted Answer

$$400	imes$$

Question 17

Which test would you use to detect the presence of starch in a food sample?

Accepted Answer

Iodine test

Question 18

A student adds Sudan IV to a solution and observes a red-stained oil layer. What does this indicate about the solution?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are present

Question 19

Which of the following is a similarity between plant and animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Both contain mitochondria

Question 20

A scientist wants to test the hypothesis that a certain protein increases the rate of a chemical reaction. Which step should come immediately after forming the hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Design and conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis

BIO 121 Lab Midterm Review: Key Concepts and Applications

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards