Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of a control group in a scientific experiment?

Accepted Answer

It is the group that is exposed to all variables except the one being tested, serving as a baseline for comparison.

Question 2

A scientist is testing the effect of light intensity and fertilizer on plant growth. Which of the following are the independent variables?

Accepted Answer

The amount of light and the amount of fertilizer

Question 3

Which of the following is a property of water that allows fish to survive in lakes during winter, even when air temperatures are below $$0^\circC$$?

Accepted Answer

Water is densest at $$4^\circC.$$

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why sweating helps cool the human body?

Accepted Answer

Sweat absorbs heat as it evaporates due to water's high heat of vaporization.

Question 5

Which of the following elements makes up the largest percentage of body mass in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Question 6

A sodium atom ($$^{23}_{11}\mathrm{Na}) $$has how many protons, neutrons, and electrons?

Accepted Answer

11 protons, 12 neutrons, 11 electrons

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a polar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond in which electrons are shared unequally, resulting in partial charges on the atoms

Question 8

Which functional group is both polar and hydrophilic, and is found in all proteins?

Accepted Answer

$$-\mathrm{COOH} ($$carboxyl group)

Question 9

Which of the following macromolecules has a C:H:O ratio of approximately 1:2:1?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates

Question 10

Which of the following statements about hydrogen bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds form between the hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the oxygen atom of another water molecule.

Question 11

A plant takes up ammonium nitrate from the soil. This process is most directly related to which biological concept?

Accepted Answer

Nutrient acquisition for metabolism and growth

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why water forms a meniscus in a graduated cylinder?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules are adhesive and stick to the glass surface.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct sequence of steps in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Observation, hypothesis, experiment, data collection, conclusion

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between a monomer and a polymer?

Accepted Answer

A monomer is a single small molecule that can join with others to form a polymer.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why salt (NaCl) dissolves easily in water?

Accepted Answer

Water is polar and can surround and separate the positive and negative ions.

Question 16

Which of the following is a property of water that allows it to move up a paper towel when one edge touches a drop of water?

Accepted Answer

Adhesion and capillary action

Question 17

Which of the following macromolecules always contains nitrogen (N) in its structure?

Accepted Answer

Proteins

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the hydrophobic effect in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Hydrophobic molecules avoid water and tend to cluster together in aqueous environments.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct match between a macromolecule and its monomer?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate – monosaccharide

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why ice floats on liquid water?

Accepted Answer

Ice is less dense than liquid water because hydrogen bonds hold water molecules further apart in the solid state.

General Biology Study Notes: Scientific Method, Elements of Life, Water Properties, and Organic Macromolecules

Study Guide - Practice Questions