General Biology 1 Practice Quiz

Cells are the fundamental units of life as described by the cell theory. They are capable of all the basic functions of life, whereas atoms and molecules serve as non-living building blocks.

Mitochondria generate most of the cell's ATP, providing the energy needed for cellular activities. Other organelles serve distinct functions such as genetic storage or protein synthesis, but do not provide large-scale energy production.

DNA holds the genetic blueprint for an organism's development and functioning. Although RNA plays roles in protein synthesis and regulation, only DNA provides long-term genetic storage.

Evaporation occurs when water molecules gain sufficient energy to transition from a liquid to a gas. This process is vital in natural water cycles unlike condensation, which is the reverse process.

Nucleic acids, particularly DNA, are responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information. The other macromolecules have functions such as energy storage and structural support but do not encode genetic data.

Ribosomes are the sites where proteins are synthesized by linking amino acids together. They do not participate in ATP production, genetic storage, or waste degradation.

Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. This is distinct from diffusion, which involves passive movement of solutes.

The balanced equation for photosynthesis shows that carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of light energy, are converted into glucose and oxygen. The other options either reverse the process or mix up reactants and products.

The S phase is dedicated to DNA replication, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the genetic material. The other phases focus on cell growth and division rather than replication of DNA.

A Punnett square is a diagram used to predict the distribution of inherited traits in offspring based on the genetic makeup of the parents. It does not relate to energy production, enzyme kinetics, or the structure of DNA.

Lipids are efficient for long-term energy storage because they store a large amount of energy in a compact form. Carbohydrates provide short-term energy, while proteins and nucleic acids serve other functions in the cell.

Natural selection is the mechanism by which heritable traits that confer survival and reproductive advantages become more common in successive generations. It is a non-random process driven by environmental pressures rather than laboratory techniques or chance alone.

Chloroplasts contain the pigments and machinery necessary to capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy via photosynthesis. The other organelles perform different functions, such as energy production or storage, but not photosynthesis.

The cell wall is a rigid layer that surrounds plant cells, providing mechanical support and protection. Unlike the flexible cell membrane, the cell wall maintains the shape and integrity of the cell.

Enzymes accelerate biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required. They do not store energy or function in molecule transport, but rather facilitate and regulate chemical reactions.

Aerobic respiration involves complete oxidation of substrates using oxygen, which results in a high yield of ATP through the electron transport chain. In contrast, anaerobic respiration uses fermentation pathways that yield significantly less ATP.

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, setting them apart from prokaryotic cells. While some prokaryotes can perform photosynthesis or have cell walls, they do not have the compartmentalization found in eukaryotes.

The endosymbiotic theory proposes that key eukaryotic organelles originated when primitive eukaryotic cells engulfed free-living prokaryotes. This theory explains the presence of double membranes and distinct genetic material in organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Mutations generate genetic diversity, which provides the raw material for evolution via natural selection. Not all mutations are harmful; some are neutral or even beneficial, enabling populations to adapt over time.

Homeostasis is essential because it ensures that internal conditions like temperature and pH remain stable, enabling enzymes to function optimally. This stability allows organisms to effectively manage metabolic processes and respond to environmental changes.