Question 1

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of homeostasis in humans?

Accepted Answer

The body shivering to increase heat production when exposed to cold temperatures.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about water is TRUE and explains why it is essential for life?

Accepted Answer

Water has a high specific heat, which helps organisms maintain stable internal temperatures.

Question 3

A scientist observes that a certain plant grows faster in blue light than in red light. Which step of the scientific method is the scientist performing?

Accepted Answer

Observation

Question 4

Which of the following best describes an isotope?

Accepted Answer

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Question 5

Which of the following molecules is most likely to be hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

A long-chain hydrocarbon such as a fatty acid.

Question 6

Which of the following is the correct molecular formula for glucose?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$}$$

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why carbon is found in all organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form four covalent bonds, allowing for a variety of stable structures.

Question 8

A peptide bond is formed between two amino acids by which process?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis, which removes a molecule of water.

Question 9

Which of the following functional groups is found in both amino acids and fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group

Question 10

A solution has a pH of 4. Which of the following statements is TRUE about this solution?

Accepted Answer

It is acidic and has a higher concentration of $$\mathrm{H^+}$$ ions than a solution with pH 7.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of adaptation and evolution in a population?

Accepted Answer

A population of insects developing resistance to a pesticide over several generations.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes a buffer in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

A substance that minimizes changes in pH by accepting or donating $$\mathrm{H^+}$$ ions.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct example of an organic compound?

Accepted Answer

Glucose ($$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$})$$

Question 15

Which of the following best describes denaturation of a protein?

Accepted Answer

Loss of the protein's three-dimensional structure due to heat or chemicals.

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-life example of hydrolysis?

Accepted Answer

Digesting starch into glucose molecules in the human small intestine.

Question 17

Which of the following elements is NOT one of the six most important elements for living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Iron ($$\mathrm{Fe})$$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of nucleic acids in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They store and transmit hereditary information.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a molecule that is hydrophilic?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why buffers are important in human blood?

Accepted Answer

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

Biology 121 Exam 1 Review: Foundations of Life, Chemistry, and Biological Molecules

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