Biology exams 1-3
In the case of Mendel's peas, a single gene determined the height of the plant. However, in humans, adult height is influenced by many genes. A trait such as human height is said to be: A) polygenic. B) sex-linked. C) multi-allelic. D) codominant. E) linked.
A
5. The purpose of the experimentation phase of the scientific method is to: A A) gather evidence to support or reject a hypothesis. B) gather evidence to formulate a theory. C) make predictive, testable statements about observations. D) formulate a null hypothesis.
A
A diploid individual with two identical alleles for a particular gene is said to be: A) homozygous for that gene. B) heterozygous for that gene. C) pleiotropic for that gene. D) autosomal for that gene. E) codominant for that gene.
A
An electron in a photosynthetic pigment that is excited to a higher energy state generally has one of two fates. The first option is the electron can return to its resting, unexcited state and, in the process, energy is released. Some of this energy can be transferred to a nearby molecule, bumping electrons in that molecule to a higher energy state. What is the other possible fate? A) The excited electron itself can be passed to another molecule. B) Another molecule can grab that electron and further excite it. C) The excited electron can be further excited to the point where it takes on both proton and electron properties. D) The excited electron can absorb energy to further aid other reactions. E) The excited electron can split into tiny particles and gamma rays.
A
Bacteria divide by a type of ______________________ called ____________________. A) asexual reproduction; binary fission B) asexual reproduction; replication C) sexual reproduction; binary fission D) asexual reproduction; elongation E) sexual reproduction; replication
A
During which phase of the cell cycle is DNA replicated? A) Interphase B) Prophase C) Metaphase D) Anaphase E) Telophase
A
How an atom bonds with other atoms is chiefly determined by its: A) electrons. B) neutrons. C) protons. D) atomic mass. E) nuclear charge.
A
How many sex chromosomes does the normal human female inherit from her mother? A) 1 B) 2 C) 46 D) 2 pairs E) 23
A
If a cell is put into a solution with a higher concentration of solute than is present inside the cell, the solution is ____________. The cell will __________. If a cell is put into a solution with a lower concentration of solute than is present inside the cell, the solution is _____________. The cell will _________. A) hypertonic; shrink; hypotonic; swell B) hypertonic; swell; hypotonic; shrink C) hypotonic; shrink; hypertonic; swell D) hypotonic; swell; hypertonic; shrink E) isotonic; shrink; hypertonic; burst
A
If, when in a heterozygous state, one allele masks the effect of the other allele, the masked allele is referred to as: A) recessive. B) dominant. C) codominant. D) inherited. E) segregated.
A
In DNA, adenine from one strand binds to ______ in the complementary strand. A A) thymine B) guanine C) cytosine D) deoxyribose E) adenine
A
In which phase do the main differences between mitosis and meiosis occur? A) meiosis 1 with crossing over and independent assortment of homologous chromosomes. B) meiosis 2 with crossing over and independent assortment of homologous chromosomes. C) there is no difference between meiosis and mitosis. D) meiosis 1 with nondisjunction.
A
Mitochondria have a "bag within a bag" structure. This is necessary to: A) create two distinct regions with a concentration differential, a form of potential energy. B) segregate the most toxic digestive enzymes from molecules of ATP and NADP. C) keep molecules of ADP in close proximity to molecules of ATP-synthase. D) allow light-reactive accessory pigments to be embedded within the membranes. E) segregate the thylakoids from the stroma.
A
Osmosis is ______ specialized than diffusion because it involves _________. A) more; water B) less; all liquids C) more; acids D) less; solute E) more; bases
A
Phenotypes are generally a product of: A) the genotype in combination with the environment. B) two or more genes in combination with each other. C) multiple alleles at the same gene locus. D) pleiotropic effects of a single gene. E) incomplete dominance.
A
Proteins are made up of: A) amino acids. B) carbohydrates C) nucleic acids. D) oligosaccharides. E) lipids.
A
Scientific theories do not represent speculations or guesses about the natural world. Instead, they are hypotheses that have been: A) so strongly and persuasively supported by empirical observation that the scientific community views them as unlikely to be altered by new evidence. B) verified by at least one critical experiment. C) validated by the International Board of Scientific Theories. D) used to support the political stances of the scientists who have developed them. E) found to be statistically significant.
A
Sister chromatids line up at the center of the cell during which phase of mitosis? A) metaphase B) interphase C) anaphase D) prophase E) telophase
A
The central dogma of molecular biology states that: A) DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into protein. B) DNA is translated into protein. C) DNA is transcribed into RNA. D) DNA is translated into RNA, which is transcribed into protein. E) RNA is transcribed into polypeptides.
A
The tendency of molecules to stick together, called cohesion, is stronger in water than other liquids because the polarity of water allows a(n): A) hydrogen atom from one water molecule to form a hydrogen bond with the oxygen atom of another water molecule. B) hydrogen atom from one water molecule to form a covalent bond with the hydrogen atom of another water molecule. C) oxygen atom from one water molecule to form a hydrogen bond with the oxygen atom of another water molecule. D) hydrogen atom from one water molecule to form a covalent bond with the oxygen atom of another water molecule. E) hydrogen atom from one water molecule to form an ionic bond with the oxygen atom of another water molecule.
A
We use energy in many ways. What is one thing we cannot do to energy? A) Destroy it. B) Waste it C) Convert it. D) Store it.
A
What are the three types of endocytosis? A) phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis B) phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and exocytosis C) plasmocytosis, pinocytosis, and exocytosis D) vesicles, LDL particles, and receptors E) vesicles, LDL particles, and HDL particles
A
What is the primary form of short-term energy storage in animals? A) glycogen B) glucose C) fat D) protein E) cholesterol
A
What is the source of the ATP and the NADPH that enter the "synthesis" portion of photosynthesis? A) electron transport chain of the "photo" reactions B) glucose C) cellular respiration D) the moon
A
What type of molecule carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis? A) tRNA B) mRNA C) short proteins D) start codons E) RNA polymerase
A
When a triplet of bases in the coding sequence of DNA is TAG, the corresponding codon for the mRNA transcribed from it is: A) AUC. B) ATC. C) CTA. D) GUC. E) GAC.
A
Which of the following is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells? A) ribosome B) centriole C) nucleolus D) peroxisome E) lysosome
A
Which of these is not a feature of cancer cells? A) Cancer cells divide very slowly. B) Cancer cells have no contact inhibition. C) Cancer cells can metastasize and spread throughout the body via the circulatory system. D) Cancer cells can divide indefinitely. E) Cancer cells' membranes often have reduced adhesiveness.
A
Which phenomenon accounts for the fact that most people with red hair have freckles? A) linked genes B) additive effects C) pleiotropy D) codominance E) incomplete dominance
A
Which statement about biological literacy is true? A) Biological literacy is the ability to integrate ideas about biology into making wise decisions for oneself. B) Assuming that all bacteria can infect you because your mother told you so is an example of biological literacy. C) Using the process of scientific inquiry to think creatively about real-world issues that have a biological aspect is NOT a component of biological literacy. D) Biological literacy is important for issues facing society but not as important for individuals.
A
Which statement about sexual reproduction is true? A) Sexual reproduction produces a greater variation in offspring than asexual reproduction. B) Sexual reproduction requires less energy than asexual reproduction. C) Sexual reproduction is less risky to the parents than asexual reproduction. D) Sexual reproduction produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parents. E) Sexual reproduction always produces more offspring than asexual reproduction.
A
Which statement best describes the difference between light energy and chemical energy? A) Light energy is a type of kinetic energy, and chemical energy is a type of potential energy. B) Light energy is a type of potential energy, which can be converted into kinetic energy in photons. C) Light energy is a type of potential energy, and chemical energy is a type of kinetic energy. D) Chemical energy can only exist as energy of forward motion. E) Kinetic energy can be stored in molecular bonds. Chemical energy must be transformed into heat.
A
Which statement best explains the observation that more autism cases exist now than in the past? A) Doctors are more aware of the condition and have better techniques for diagnosing and reporting it. B) More parents neglect their children, which is a cause of autism, now than in the past. C) The vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella has been established as a significant cause of autism. D) Autism has been selected for in recent generations by natural selection. E) Autism is caused by a new mutation and has just shown up in the last few years.
A
A scientist discovers a new entity. Based on what you know about the characteristics of living organisms, which of the following might lead you to conclude that the entity is not a living organism? A) It is able to maintain a constant internal environment. B) It is unable to reproduce without a host organism. C) It consists of a single cell. D) It responds to external stimuli. E) It is able to take in sunlight and produce its own food.
B
An important difference between mRNA and DNA is: A) mRNA can move throughout the cell, whereas DNA stays in the cytosol. B) mRNA can move throughout the cell, whereas DNA stays in the nucleus. C) DNA can move throughout the cell, whereas mRNA stays in the nucleus. D) mRNA contains uracil instead of adenine, which is found in DNA.
B
Assuming incomplete dominance, if a homozygous red-flowered plant is crossed with a homozygous white-flowered plant, what will be the color of the offspring? A) red and white B) pink C) red D) white
B
Chlorophyll a and b are green-colored pigment molecules. What color(s) of light do they reflect? A) red and blue B) green C) violet D) orange and red
B
Crossing over means the same as: A) incomplete dominance. B) the process by which pieces of homologous chromosomes are exchanged. C) heterozygosity. D) the peculiar line up of homologous chromosomes. E) independent assortment.
B
Diffusion across the cell's outer membrane: A) is also called dynamic equilibrium. B) occurs without the input of energy. C) always results with the molecules moving from areas of low concentration to areas of high concentration. D) never occurs; all molecules cross the membrane within protein carriers. E) requires the input of energy.
B
Drug companies sometimes hire independent research laboratories to evaluate whether a drug that they have discovered is effective or not in treating an illness. Companies most likely do this to: A) reduce public fear that the drug is actually a poison. B) demonstrate that the scientists conducting the trial are not biased in concluding that the drug is effective. C) test whether the drug is toxic to animals. D) find out if the drug can pass governmental approval. E) learn whether the public is likely to buy the drug.
B
Identify the statement below that correctly describes hydrogen bonds. A) any bond with a hydrogen atom B) an attraction between a slightly positive atom of one molecule and a slightly negative atom of another molecule C) a bond between hydrogen atoms to form the molecule H2 D) attractions between hydrogen and oxygen to form a water molecule E) attractions between oppositely charged ions
B
In terms of structural materials, _______ is to plants as _______ is to lobsters and crabs. A) chitin; starch B) cellulose; chitin C) glycogen; cellulose D) a monosaccharide; a polysaccharide E) starch; glycogen
B
One consequence of protein denaturation is that the protein: A) performs better than before. B) loses its functionality. C) adds another protein to its folded shape. D) becomes more tightly folded. E) forms covalent sulfur-sulfur bonds.
B
The final product of meiosis is A) two genetically identical daughter cells B) four genetically unique haploid daughter cells C) our genetically unique diploid daughter cells D) two cloned bacterial cells
B
The number of protons in an element, also called its ____________, identifies the element. A) nucleus B) atomic number C) atomic weight D) charge E) isotope
B
The sequence of nucleotides in a gene is ATTCGGCGTACT. A mutation occurs and the sequence is changed to ATCGGCGTACT. What type of mutation has occurred? A) insertion B) deletion C) substitution D) silent E) chromosomal aberration
B
What are the products of photosynthesis? A) oxygen and carbon dioxide B) sugar and oxygen C) carbon dioxide only D) sugar and water
B
What is the final product of transcription and translation? A) cookies B) protein C) ATP D) glucose
B
Which figure correctly depicts how phospholipids are oriented in the plasma membrane? A) B) Tails toward each other C) D)
B
Which of the following statements best describes a sex-linked trait? A) a trait that involves the reproductive system B) a trait that is controlled by a gene on a sex chromosome C) always heterozygous D) only inherited by females E) only inherited by males
B
Which subatomic particles have no charge? A) protons B) neutrons C) electrons D) protons and neutrons E) neutrons and electrons
B
________ is the study of living things. A) Science B) Biology C) Agriculture D) Research E) Psychology
B
A partial sequence of a molecule is "AACTGCT." The molecule is a(n): A) polysaccharide. B) protein. C) nucleic acid. D) triglyceride. E) oligosaccharide.
C
All of the following are cells that undergo mitosis, except: A) muscle cells. B) yeast. C) sperm cells. D) stomach cells. E) skin cells.
C
An experiment was designed to determine the effect of temperature on the growth rate of phasmids—insects more commonly known as "walking sticks." Five walking sticks were grown in four different incubators, set at variable temperatures for two weeks. Which component of the experiment is the response variable (dependent variable)? A) number of walking sticks per incubator B) temperature of incubators C) growth of walking sticks D) amount of time data are collected E) species of walking sticks
C
Cells that are metabolically active and use a lot of energy: A) include white adipose (fat storage) cells. B) are found in the dermal layer, just under the skin. C) are densely packed with numerous mitochondria. D) generally are not found in the human body. E) include red blood cells.
C
Dietary fiber is composed of: A) nucleic acids. B) proteins. C) carbohydrates. D) amino acids. E) fatty acids.
C
During translation, an mRNA molecule is used as a set of instructions to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain in a particular order by: A) RNA polymerase. B) DNA polymerase. C) ribosomes. D) transcriptase. E) reverse transcriptase.
C
If you conduct an experiment that rejects your hypothesis, then: A) your experiment was poorly designed. B) your experiment was a failure. C) the null hypothesis was a better fit to your data. D) you are less likely to get funding for your next experiment.
C
In cellular respiration, the potential energy created by the concentration gradient of H+ ions across the innermembrane of the mitochondria powers the synthesis of what molecule? A) glucose B) pyruvate C) ATP D) rubisco
C
In the laboratory, you see a fuzzy growth on some of the gels in your incubator. What is the name given to this step of the scientific method? A) hypothesis B) experimentation C) observation D) theory E) law
C
Prokaryotes: A) are multicellular. B) lack a plasma membrane. C) lack a nucleus. D) are more complex than eukaryotes. E) evolved after eukaryotes.
C
The secondary structure of a protein refers to the: A) linear assembly of amino acids into a chain. B) three-dimensional folded structure of the protein. C) twisting of the amino acid chain into a corkscrew-like shape or zigzag folding pattern. D) configuration of the folded protein when bound to other proteins. E) zipping of protein to fatty acid chains.
C
The unique part of the structure of an amino acid is: A) its carboxyl group. B) its amino group. C) its side chain. D) the number of carbon atoms at the center of the molecule. E) the number of double bonds in the carboxyl group.
C
What type of evidence most increases our confidence in experimental results? A) A scientist only runs her experiments twice. B) A scientist runs her experiments 10 times, all with the same result. C) Three different scientists do three different studies, all with the same result. D) A scientist observes that two variables appear to be linked. E) Three different scientists do three different studies, investigating different variables and hypotheses.
C
Which aspect of carbon makes it particularly suited to forming molecular bonds? C A) Carbon has 6 electrons, all of which are available for bonding. B) Carbon's outermost shell is filled to capacity, making it more stable and likely to bond. C) Carbon has four valence electrons to share and can bond in many different ways. D) Carbon is very positively charged and forms ionic bonds with negatively charged atoms. E) Carbon has a neutral charge.
C
Which nucleotide bases are present in equal amounts in DNA? A) guanine and thymine B) adenine and guanine C) guanine and cytosine D) thymine and guanine E) thymine and cytosine
C
Which of the following would be performed by a transport protein in the cell membrane? A) maintaining the flexibility of the cell membrane B) initiation of an immune system response upon identifying a foreign cell C) moving testosterone produced within a testicular cell into the bloodstream D) recognizing and ingesting a cold virus E) binding to adrenaline on heart cells, thereby increasing the heart's rate of contraction
C
Which of these is not considered to be a macromolecule? A) carbohydrates B) proteins C) vitamins D) lipids E) nucleic acids
C
Which statement about DNA is false? A) It can be found in human saliva, hair, and blood. B) Plants have DNA in three places: the nucleus, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. C) Humans lack DNA in their brain cells. D) It can be used to identify an individual person. E) It is found in nearly all the cells of all living things.
C
You are a researcher who wants to inactivate the gene in mosquitoes that allows them to host the malarial parasite. What biotechnology tool would be best suited for this task? A) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) B) cloning C) CRISPR D) creating a gene library E) chopping DNA with restriction enzymes
C
An allele is dominant when it: A) is more common than other alleles. B) is more advantageous than other alleles. C) increases the reproductive fitness of the organism that inherits it. D) masks the effects of another allele. E) is homozygous.
D
Genes are borne on structures called: A) gametes. B) cells. C) nuclei. D) chromosomes. E) alleles.
D
Nearly all life depends on energy captured from: A) lipid molecules. B) carbohydrate molecules. C) oxygen. D) sunlight. E) water.
D
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, some bacteria, and some protists use the energy from sunlight to produce sugar, which _______________ converts to ATP, which is the "fuel" used by all living things. A) eutrophication B) adaptation C) denaturation D) cellular respiration E) digestion
D
RNA differs from DNA in that it uses the nitrogenous base ______ instead of ______. A) adenine; cytosine B) uracil; guanine C) cytosine; guanine D) uracil; thymine E) adenine; uracil
D
Sodium is transported out of a cell through a transport protein from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration with the use of ATP. Which type of membrane transport is involved in this process? A) osmosis B) facilitated diffusion C) simple diffusion D) active transport E) receptor-mediated endocytosis
D
The "Big 4" elements in living organisms are oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and: A) helium. B) sodium. C) calcium. D) nitrogen. E) phosphorus.
D
The impact of a single gene on more than one characteristic is called: A) codominance. B) polygenic inheritance. C) homozygosity. D) pleiotropy. E) additive effects.
D
The nucleus: A) modifies proteins that will be shipped elsewhere in the organism. B) synthesizes lipids and detoxifies molecules. C) harvests energy for cellular functions. D) directs cellular activity and stores hereditary information. E) provides structural shape and support.
D
The rough endoplasmic reticulum: A) synthesizes lipids and detoxifies molecules. B) processes and packages proteins, lipids, and other molecules. C) harvests energy for cellular functions. D) modifies proteins that will be shipped elsewhere in the organism. E) performs photosynthesis.
D
The single purpose of mitotic cell division is: A) gamete production. B) programmed cell death. C) generation of new, genetically diverse cells. D) generation of new, genetically identical cells. E) tumor growth.
D
The structures labeled "A" are: A) chloroplasts. B) mitochondria. C) lysosomes. D) nuclei. E) vacuoles.
D
What can happen if an enzyme is altered, even slightly? A) It will continue to catalyze reactions, but at a slower rate. B) It will still catalyze reactions, but only at a higher temperature. C) The amount of activator required to "turn on" the enzyme will need to increase. D) Its active site may change, causing the enzyme to stop functioning. E) It will catalyze reactions too quickly, potentially causing illness for the individual.
D
Where is a large amount of stored energy found in this molecule of ATP? A) 1 B) 2 C) 3 D) 4
D
Which lipid is an important component of most cell membranes? A) glucose B) testosterone C) carboxyls D) cholesterol E) estrogen
D
Which of the following is a lipid? A) carbohydrates B) nucleic acids C) amino acids D) steroids E) cellulose
D
Which phenomenon is most likely due to the high specific heat capacity of water? A) A lizard, called the "Jesus lizard," can run across the surface of liquid water for short distances. B) Lakes and rivers freeze from the top, not the bottom. C) Adding salt to snow makes it melt. D) The temperature of the Santa Monica Bay, off the coast of Los Angeles, fluctuates less than the air temperature throughout the year. E) Ice cubes will float when placed in a glass of water.
D
Which statement correctly describes the locations of transcription and translation within a eukaryotic cell? A) DNA is transcribed in the cytosol, and then the mRNA transcript is transported into the nucleus to be translated into protein. B) Both transcription and translation occur in the nucleus. C) Both transcription and translation occur in the cytosol. D) DNA is transcribed in the nucleus, and then the mRNA transcript is transported to the cytosol to be translated into protein. E) DNA is transcribed in the nucleus, and then the mRNA transcript is transported to the nucleolus to be translated into protein.
D
A mutation that involves the addition, subtraction, or substitution of a single base is known as: A) genetic drift. B) gene flow. C) polyploidy. D) a chromosomal aberration. E) a point mutation.
E
An enzyme that can bind to and break apart molecules of lactose will: A) also be able to bind sucrose. B) also be able to bind amino acids. C) also be able to bind fatty acids. D) also be able to bind starch. E) only be able to bind lactose.
E
Eukaryotic cells can divide by: A) meiosis only. B) replication only. C) mitosis only. D) segregation only. E) both mitosis and meiosis.
E
Generally, what is the next step after the completion of a critical experiment? A) admission that you were right or wrong B) formation of predictive statements C) formation of testable statements D) making more observations E) review of the hypothesis in light of the data gathered
E
If two giraffes were crossed, where one is heterozygous for albinism (a) and the other has a homozygous dominant genotype, what would be the expected genotypic and phenotypic ratios? A) 1 AA : 2 Aa : 1 aa; 3 pigmented : 2 albino B) 2 AA : 2 Aa : 0 aa; 4 pigmented : 2 albino C) 0 AA : 0 Aa : 1 aa; all albino D) 2 AA : 0 Aa : 0 aa; all pigmented E) 2 AA : 2 Aa : 0 aa; all pigmented
E
Since its discovery in 1953, the double-helix structure of DNA is now one of the most recognizable molecules in biology. What was so groundbreaking about the "double" part of the double-helix molecule? A) It suggested that information could be contained in both strands of the helix and that this information was related by base pairs. B) It suggested that two helices are required for transcription. C) The symmetry of the molecule made it perfect for X-ray crystallography. D) It suggested that information could be contained in both strands of the helix independently. E) It suggested how genetic information could be copied and inherited.
E
The highest percentage of non-coding DNA is found in: A) bacteria. B) yeasts. C) viruses. D) prokaryotes. E) eukaryotes.
E
The inputs of cellular respiration are sugar (and other energy-packed food molecules) and ________; the outputs are _________, water, and energy in the form of ATP. A) oxygen; sugar B) water; oxygen C) water; carbon dioxide D) water; sugar E) oxygen; carbon dioxide
E
Thinking scientifically relies on: A) learning lists of facts. B) accepting statements of others as true. C) intuition. D) applying your preconceptions. E) objective observation and experimentation.
E
Viruses contain genetic material, and they can evolve over time. However, they also must use the machinery of the cells they invade to reproduce and do not carry out any metabolic processes on their own. Based on this description, should viruses be classified as "living?" A) Yes. Reproduction is one of the characteristics of living organisms. B) Yes. Not all living things conduct metabolic activities. C) Yes. Viruses have the ability to adapt and change. D) Yes. Viruses contain genetic material, just like other living things. E) No. Viruses cannot reproduce or conduct metabolic functions on their own.
E
What is the probability that an individual who is homozygous for a given allele will pass that allele to one of her/his gametes? A) 0% B) 25% C) 50% D) 75% E) 100%
E