General Biology Capstone Quiz

RNA is the correct abbreviation for ribonucleic acid. RNA is a molecule that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes. It is composed of a single strand of nucleotides, including adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and uracil (U), which replaces thymine (T) found in DNA. RNA is essential for various cellular processes and is involved in the regulation of gene expression, making it a fundamental molecule in biology.

The scientific method is a systematic approach used by scientists to investigate and understand the natural world. It involves making observations, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments or gathering data to test the hypothesis, analyzing the results, and drawing conclusions. Starting with a hypothesis is a fundamental step in the scientific method, as it provides a proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested through experimentation or observation. Therefore, the correct answer is "scientific."

Charles Darwin is credited with proposing the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. He published his groundbreaking book "On the Origin of Species" in 1859, where he presented evidence and arguments supporting the idea that species evolve over time through the process of natural selection. Darwin's theory revolutionized the field of biology and had a profound impact on our understanding of the diversity of life on Earth. Mendel is known for his work on genetics, McGregor is not associated with this theory, and Einstein is known for his contributions to physics, not biology.

Biological Order essentially represents very organized patterns seen in living things. This refers to the structured arrangement and coordination of various components within an organism or a biological system. It encompasses the hierarchical organization of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems, as well as the systematic arrangement of genetic material and the regulation of physiological processes. Biological order is fundamental to the functioning and survival of living organisms, allowing them to carry out complex functions and maintain homeostasis.

The correct answer is deoxyribonucleic acid. This is because deoxyribonucleic acid, also known as DNA, is a molecule that forms a twisted ladder or double helix structure. Genes occur along the length of the DNA molecule, making it the correct answer. Deoxyribose, on the other hand, is a sugar molecule that is a component of DNA but does not form the twisted ladder structure itself. Therefore, deoxyribonucleic acid is the correct answer.

Glycolysis is the correct answer because it is the process by which glucose is broken down into smaller molecules, such as pyruvate, in order to produce energy for the cell. Hydrolysis, on the other hand, is a different process that involves the breaking of chemical bonds using water. Therefore, the correct answer is glycolysis and not hydrolysis.

Digestion differs from adsorption because digestion refers to the chemical breakdown of foodstuffs, while adsorption refers to the movement of nutrient particles into cells and bloodstream. Digestion involves the breakdown of food into smaller molecules through processes such as enzymatic reactions, while adsorption involves the absorption of these smaller molecules into cells for further use by the body. Therefore, digestion and adsorption are distinct processes that occur in the digestive system.

The continual process between energy storage and energy release that occurs in cells is called the ATP-ADP cycle. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of cells, and it releases energy when it is converted to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) through the hydrolysis of one phosphate group. This energy is then used by cells for various metabolic processes. The ADP can then be converted back to ATP through cellular respiration, completing the cycle. This cycle allows cells to constantly replenish their energy supply and meet their energy demands.

Photosynthesis is the correct answer because it is the process by which living organisms, such as plants, use the energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and is essential for the production of food and oxygen in the ecosystem. Glycolysis and Kreb's cycle are metabolic processes that occur in the cell, but they do not involve the utilization of sunlight to make sugar. Life cycle refers to the series of stages that an organism goes through from birth to death, and it is not specifically related to the process of utilizing sunlight to make sugar.

Nucleic acid derives its name from its occurrence within the cell. The term "nucleic" refers to the fact that these acids are found in the nucleus of cells. Acetic acid, on the other hand, does not derive its name from its occurrence within the cell. Therefore, the correct answer is "nucleic."

Pulmonary ventilation refers to the process of air movement in and out of the lungs, which includes both inspiration (inhaling) and expiration (exhaling). On the other hand, respiration specifically refers to the exchange of gases (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the lungs and the bloodstream, and between the bloodstream and the body's tissues. Therefore, the correct answer states that pulmonary ventilation is the sum of inspiration and expiration, while respiration involves the gas exchange between body compartments.

Ecology is the correct answer because it is the study of the relationships among different organisms and their interactions with the external environment. Physiology is the study of how organisms function, while zoology is the study of animals. Therefore, neither physiology nor zoology encompass the broad scope of studying relationships among organisms and their interactions with the environment, which is the focus of ecology.

The statement "The cell is the basic unit of all living things" aligns with the modern cell theory. This theory states that cells are the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms and that all living organisms are composed of one or more cells. It also states that cells arise from pre-existing cells through cell division. Mendel's model and the 1st law of genetics are not directly related to the concept of cells being the basic unit of all living things. Therefore, the correct answer is modern cell theory.

The correct answer is animal. This is because animals are multicellular organisms that are not plants or fungi. They are living and breathing creatures that belong to the animal kingdom. Microbes are single-celled organisms, while critters is a colloquial term that can refer to any small creature, including animals. Therefore, the correct answer is animal.

Cellular respiration refers to the process in which cells break down organic molecules to produce energy. This process can occur in the presence of oxygen, which is known as aerobic respiration. Therefore, the correct answer is "the aerobic breakdown of organic molecules." Anaerobic respiration, on the other hand, occurs in the absence of oxygen.

Modern biology is the study of life because it encompasses the scientific exploration of all living organisms, their structure, function, growth, evolution, and interactions with their environment. It involves understanding the mechanisms that drive life processes, such as reproduction, metabolism, and adaptation. By studying biology, scientists gain insights into the diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness of life on Earth. Therefore, the correct answer is "the study of life".

The statement "Life only occurs because it has been produced by other living organisms" aligns with the theory of evolution. This theory explains how life on Earth has evolved over time through the process of natural selection, with living organisms passing on their traits to the next generation. The statement implies that life is a result of the reproduction and adaptation of living organisms, which is a fundamental concept in the theory of evolution.

Prokaryotes are the simplest and most ancient form of cells that are believed to have emerged first during the early stages of evolution. They lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, and their genetic material is not enclosed within a membrane. Prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea, and they are able to survive in a wide range of environments. This makes them the most likely candidate for the first type of cells to come into existence.

A population balance maintained over time refers to the stability and equilibrium of different species within an ecosystem. It involves the interdependence and interactions between organisms and their environment, including factors such as competition, predation, and resource availability. Ecological relationships encompass these dynamics and play a crucial role in maintaining the population balance over time. Regular physiology and life, on the other hand, do not adequately capture the complex interactions and dynamics required for a population balance. Therefore, the correct answer is ecological relationships.

The Krebs cycle is a series of chemical reactions that occur in the mitochondria of cells. It is responsible for breaking down the pyruvic acids produced during glycolysis, a process that occurs in the cytoplasm of cells. This breakdown of pyruvic acid is essential for the production of energy in the form of ATP. Therefore, the correct answer is "breaks down the pyruvic acids produced by glycolysis."

Mitosis is the correct answer because it is the process by which paired, duplicated chromosomes are divided into single, identical, unpaired chromosomes. During mitosis, the chromosomes replicate and then separate into two identical sets, each with one copy of each chromosome. This process is essential for the growth, development, and repair of cells in the body. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a different process that involves the division of cells to produce gametes (sperm and eggs) with half the number of chromosomes. Genetics and cell theory are not directly related to the division of chromosomes.

Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth, with over a million known species. This is more than all other types of animals combined, including fish, birds, and mammals. Insects have adapted to various habitats and play crucial roles in ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and a food source for other animals. Their incredible diversity and abundance make them the most numerous and successful group of animals on the planet.

Metabolism and excretion are characteristics found only in living things. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within an organism to maintain life, such as the conversion of food into energy. Excretion, on the other hand, is the process of eliminating waste products from the body. These processes are essential for the survival and functioning of living organisms, distinguishing them from non-living things.

The correct answer is subatomic particles. Subatomic particles are the smallest units of matter, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons. They are the building blocks of atoms, which in turn form molecules, cells, tissues, and eventually larger biological structures. Therefore, subatomic particles represent the simplest and smallest level of biological organization.

The term adaptation refers to the pattern of biological order that allows organisms to be more fit and survive natural selection. This means that organisms with adaptations are better suited to their environment and have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. Therefore, the correct answer is "both of the above".