Biology Midterm Practice Test
- 1.
Mrs. Lewis set up a lab for her biology students using a culture of the small crustacean Daphnia, obtained from a pond that was 20°C. The students are to investigate the effect temperature has on Daphnia. The students will observe the crustacean’s heartbeat under the microscope, at the following temperatures: 0°C, 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, and 40°C. They will count the number of heartbeats per second. If the experiment is designed correctly, what will the students choose for the experimental treatment?
- A.
Placing 5 identical cultures of Daphnia at 20C
- B.
Placing each of 5 identical cultures of Daphnia at a different temperature
- C.
Placing 5 cultures, each with a different type of crustacean, at 20C
- D.
Placing 5 cultures, each with a different type of crustacean, at a different temperature
Correct Answer
B. Placing each of 5 identical cultures of Daphnia at a different temperatureExplanation
You must ONLY change one variable (in this case the temperature of the Daphnia). If you change more than one variable, it is no longer a controlled experiment.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Mrs. Lewis set up a lab for her biology students using a culture of the small crustacean Daphnia, obtained from a pond that was 20°C. The students are to investigate the effect temperature has on Daphnia. The students will observe the crustacean’s heartbeat under the microscope, at the following temperatures: 0°C, 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, and 40°C. They will count the number of heartbeats per second. What is the dependent variable in Mrs. Lewis’ experiment?
- A.
Number of heartbeats/second
- B.
Number of Daphnia in the cultures
- C.
Temperature of the samples
- D.
Type of microscope used
Correct Answer
A. Number of heartbeats/secondExplanation
The dependent variable is the variable that is being measured. It changes BECAUSE of the change in the independent variable.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Mrs. Lewis set up a lab for her biology students using a culture of the small crustacean Daphnia, obtained from a pond that was 20°C. The students are to investigate the effect temperature has on Daphnia. The students will observe the crustacean’s heartbeat under the microscope, at the following temperatures: 00C, 100C, 200C, 300C, and 400C. They will count the number of heartbeats per second. What is the independent variable in Mrs. Lewis’ experiment?
- A.
Number of heartbeats/second
- B.
Number of Daphnia in the cultures
- C.
Temperature of the samples
- D.
Type of microscope used
Correct Answer
C. Temperature of the samplesExplanation
The independent variable is the variable that is purposely changed. It is the one that CAUSES the change in the dependent variable.Rate this question:
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- 4.
After learning about viruses in Biology class, Sam decides to have his cat vaccinated against feline leukemia virus. According to cell theory, are viruses, such as feline leukemia, considered living things?
- A.
Yes, because they can reproduce.
- B.
Yes, because they are composed of cells.
- C.
No, because they cannot evolve.
- D.
No, because they are not composed of cells.
Correct Answer
D. No, because they are not composed of cells.Explanation
Viruses are NOT cells and are therefore NOT considered living.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The presence of which structure indicates that cells are NOT bacteria?
- A.
Cell wall
- B.
Chloroplast
- C.
DNA
- D.
Ribosome
Correct Answer
B. ChloroplastExplanation
Prokaryotes (bacteria) do NOT have a nucleus or membrane bound organelles. Chloroplasts are only found in plant cells.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following body systems produces hormones that are essential for the regulation of the human reproductive cycle?
- A.
Circulatory
- B.
Endocrine
- C.
Lymphatic/Immune
- D.
Nervous
Correct Answer
B. EndocrineExplanation
The endocrine system is made of glands that produce hormones. Hormones regulate everything in the body.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which physiological system includes the lungs, trachea, and pharynx?
- A.
Endocrine
- B.
Nervous
- C.
Reproductive
- D.
Respiratory
Correct Answer
D. RespiratoryExplanation
The respiratory system contains the organs responsible for gas exchange.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Water is the universal solvent. Why?
- A.
Water exhibits strong cohesion.
- B.
Water has a high specific heat.
- C.
Water is a polar molecule.
- D.
Water is easily ionized.
Correct Answer
C. Water is a polar molecule.Explanation
Polarity is the MOST important property of water. Polarity and hydrogen bonding form all of the other properties of water.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What will happen if an acid is added to a solution?
- A.
The concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) will increase.
- B.
The concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) will increase.
- C.
The pH will not change.
- D.
The pH will increase.
Correct Answer
B. The concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) will increase.Explanation
When the pH decreases (becomes more acidic), the amount of H+ ions increases and the amount of OH- ions decreases.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Papain, an enzyme in papaya, breaks down polymers composed of amino acids. Which of the following substances does papain break down?
- A.
Carbohydrates
- B.
Fatty acids
- C.
Nucleic acids
- D.
Proteins
Correct Answer
D. ProteinsExplanation
Proteins are polymers of amino acids.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following chemical formulas represents an organic molecule? (note: the numbers should be read as subscripts NOT coefficients)
- A.
NaCl
- B.
C12H22O11
- C.
AgNO3
- D.
H2O
Correct Answer
B. C12H22O11Explanation
Organic compounds contain carbon (C). Inorganic compounds do NOT contain carbon (C).Rate this question:
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- 12.
An organelle found in a liver cell would best be identified as a lysosome if its primary function was which of the following?
- A.
Processing and packaging of cellular materials prior to export
- B.
Harvesting of light energy to produce carbohydrates
- C.
Detoxification of poisonous molecules within the cell
- D.
Digestion of macromolecules and old organelles
Correct Answer
D. Digestion of macromolecules and old organellesExplanation
The lysosome breaks down materials including big molecules and organelles that are not functioning properly.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What effect do acids have on how an enzyme works?
- A.
Antacids break the covalent bonds within pepsin.
- B.
Pepsin dissolves antacids in the gastric juice.
- C.
The active site of pepsin changes shape.
- D.
The concentration of pepsin increases.
Correct Answer
C. The active site of pepsin changes shape.Explanation
Enzymes work best at a specific temperature and pH. If you change the pH or temperature, it will denature the enzyme. This means that the enzyme changes shape.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What trait of an ATP molecule enables it to store energy for use by cells?
- A.
Its small size
- B.
Its solubility in water
- C.
Its ability to form hydrogen bonds
- D.
Its bonds between phosphate groups
Correct Answer
D. Its bonds between phosphate groupsExplanation
ATP stores energy in the bonds between the phosphate groups.Rate this question:
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- 15.
In an experiment, a scientist filled 2 open flasks, as shown in the figures, with broth and boiled the broth until it became clear. He then left the flasks open for several days. Which results showed that spontaneous generation did NOT occur?
- A.
The broth in both Flasks A and B remained clear.
- B.
The broth in both Flasks A and B became cloudy.
- C.
The broth in Flask A remained clear, and the broth in Flask B became cloudy.
- D.
The broth in Flask A became cloudy, and the broth in Flask B remained clear.
Correct Answer
D. The broth in Flask A became cloudy, and the broth in Flask B remained clear.Explanation
If spontaneous generation had occurred, then flask B would have become cloudy as well. Because only flask A became cloudy, that means that dust was carrying microbes into the broth of the open neck flask.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which of the following statements most accurately describes the difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond?
- A.
Atoms held together by ionic bonds separate when placed in water, while atoms held together by covalent bonds do not separate in water.
- B.
Ionic bonds hold together atoms of two different types, while covalent bonds hold together atoms of the same type.
- C.
Electrons are exchanged between atoms held together by an ionic bond, but they are shared between atoms held together by a covalent bond.
- D.
Ionic bonds form between atoms that carry opposite charges, while covalent bonds form between uncharged atoms.
Correct Answer
C. Electrons are exchanged between atoms held together by an ionic bond, but they are shared between atoms held together by a covalent bond.Explanation
Ionic bonds transfer (give/take) electrons.
Covalent bonds share electrons.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Energy is released from ATP when a phosphate group is removed to form ADP and water is split apart. This is an example of which kind of reaction?
- A.
Condensation
- B.
Polymerization
- C.
Hydrolysis
- D.
Oxidation
Correct Answer
C. HydrolysisExplanation
Hydrolysis breaks water apart. This happens when energy is released from ATP to form ADP.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Refer to the illustration above. Molecules like this are found in
- A.
Carbohydrates.
- B.
Lipids.
- C.
Nucleic acids.
- D.
Proteins.
Correct Answer
A. Carbohydrates.Explanation
Carbohydrates form ring structures and have a 1C:2H:1O ratio.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Refer to the illustration above. Molecules like this are found in
- A.
Carbohydrates.
- B.
Lipids.
- C.
Nucleic acids.
- D.
Proteins.
Correct Answer
B. Lipids.Explanation
Lipids like fatty acids are made of long chains of carbon and hydrogen.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Lipids are
- A.
Polar molecules.
- B.
Similar to water molecules.
- C.
Protein molecules.
- D.
Nonpolar molecules.
Correct Answer
D. Nonpolar molecules.Explanation
Lipids are hydrophobic (do not mix with water) because they are nonpolar. Water is polar, so they do not mix.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Energy is released when the bond between
- A.
Carbon atoms in ATP is broken.
- B.
Ribose and adenine in ATP is broken.
- C.
Phosphate groups in ATP is broken.
- D.
Two ATP molecules is broken.
Correct Answer
C. Phosphate groups in ATP is broken.Explanation
Energy is stored in the chemical bonds between the phosphate groups in ATP. When you break a bond, it releases energy. When you form a bond, it stores energy.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Carbon atoms can bond together to form all of the following EXCEPT
- A.
Ring structures.
- B.
Inorganic structures.
- C.
Straight chain structures.
- D.
Branched structures.
Correct Answer
B. Inorganic structures.Explanation
Carbon atoms form ORGANIC molecules NOT inorganic. They can form lots of different arrangements.Rate this question:
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- 23.
What is the primary function of most epithelial tissues?
- A.
Contracting under voluntary control
- B.
Joining bones and muscles together
- C.
Lining internal or external surfaces of the body
- D.
Conducting electrochemical signals
Correct Answer
C. Lining internal or external surfaces of the bodyExplanation
Muscle = Contraction
Connective = joining & cushioning
Epithelial = linings & coverings
Nervous = signalingRate this question:
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- 24.
This is a picture of ___ tissue.
- A.
Blood
- B.
Bone
- C.
Nerve
- D.
Muscle
Correct Answer
A. BloodExplanation
Blood is the tissue that carries oxygen to other tissues. It looks kind of like a doughnut.Rate this question:
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- 25.
This is a picture of ___ tissue.
- A.
Blood
- B.
Bone
- C.
Nerve
- D.
Muscle
Correct Answer
B. BoneExplanation
Bone is used for support. It is a type of connective tissue. It looks like the rings in a tree trunk.Rate this question:
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- 26.
This is a picture of ___ tissue.
- A.
Blood
- B.
Bone
- C.
Nerve
- D.
Muscle
Correct Answer
D. MuscleExplanation
Muscle tissue is used for contraction & movement. It looks like rope.Rate this question:
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- 27.
This is a picture of ___ tissue.
- A.
Blood
- B.
Bone
- C.
Nerve
- D.
Muscle
Correct Answer
C. NerveExplanation
Nerve tissue sends messages. It looks like star constellations or jelly fish.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons and
- A.
A different number of electrons.
- B.
A different number of molecules.
- C.
A different number of neutrons.
- D.
The same number of neutrons.
Correct Answer
C. A different number of neutrons.Explanation
Isotopes have different masses because they have different numbers of neutrons.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins?
- A.
Store and transmit genetic information
- B.
Help to fight disease
- C.
Control the rate of reactions and regulate cell processes
- D.
Build tissues such as bone and muscle
Correct Answer
A. Store and transmit genetic informationExplanation
Nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Which of the following statements about enzymes is NOT true?
- A.
Enzymes work best at a specified pH.
- B.
All enzymes have the same shape as their substrates.
- C.
Enzymes are proteins.
- D.
The shape of an enzyme allows it to do its job.
Correct Answer
B. All enzymes have the same shape as their substrates.Explanation
Enzymes and substrates must have COMPLIMENTARY shapes so that they fit together.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Enzymes affect the reactions in living cells by changing the
- A.
Products of the reaction.
- B.
Speed of the reaction.
- C.
Temperature of the reaction.
- D.
PH of the reaction.
Correct Answer
B. Speed of the reaction.Explanation
Enzymes lower the amount of activation energy needed to start the chemical reaction. This speeds up the reaction.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Which organic molecule below is most closely related to nucleic acids?
- A.
Amino acids
- B.
Carbon and hydrogen chains
- C.
Nucleotides
- D.
Sugars
Correct Answer
C. NucleotidesExplanation
Nucleotides are the monomers that build nucleic acids. Amino acids build proteins. Lipids are made of long chains of carbon and hydrogen. Polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) are made of sugars.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Which of the following is TRUE about how enzymes function?
- A.
Substrates and the enzyme must fit together at the activation energy.
- B.
Enzymes are permanently changed by the reaction.
- C.
Substrates and the enzyme must fit together at the active site.
- D.
Enzymes can only be used once.
Correct Answer
C. Substrates and the enzyme must fit together at the active site.Explanation
Enzymes are reusable and are not a part of the chemical reaction, therefore they are not changed by the reaction. Enzymes and substrates fit together at the active site.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Put these in order from simplest to most complex.
- A.
Organ -> tissue -> cell -> molecule -> organelle -> atom
- B.
Atom -> molecule -> cell -> tissue -> organelle -> organ
- C.
Tissue -> organelle -> organ -> molecule -> cell -> atom
- D.
Atom -> molecule -> organelle -> cell -> tissue -> organ
Correct Answer
D. Atom -> molecule -> organelle -> cell -> tissue -> organExplanation
Atom is the smallest unit of matter. A molecule is made of two or more atoms. An organelle is made of many molecules. A cell is made of organelles. A tissue is made of cells. An organ is made of tissues.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Which organelle makes proteins?
- A.
Endoplasmic reticulum
- B.
Golgi apparatus
- C.
Nucleus
- D.
Ribosome
Correct Answer
D. RibosomeExplanation
Ribosomes make proteins.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Homeostasis means
- A.
A change over long periods of time.
- B.
Keeping things the same.
- C.
Rapid change.
- D.
The same thing as evolution.
Correct Answer
B. Keeping things the same.Explanation
Homeostasis is maintaining an internal balance.Rate this question:
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- 37.
One difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is that
- A.
Nucleic acids are ONLY found in prokaryotes.
- B.
Organelles with membranes are ONLY found in prokaryotes.
- C.
The cell membrane is ONLY found in eukaryotes.
- D.
The nucleus is ONLY found in eukaryotes.
Correct Answer
D. The nucleus is ONLY found in eukaryotes.Explanation
Prokaryotes do NOT have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotes do have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Which organelle produces energy for the cell in the form of ATP?
- A.
Mitochondrion
- B.
Endoplasmic reticulum
- C.
Golgi apparatus
- D.
Lysosome
Correct Answer
A. MitochondrionExplanation
Mitochondria are responsible for making energy (ATP) for the cell.Rate this question:
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- 39.
When cells make proteins, they sometimes have to be shipped out of the cell. The packaging and distribution center of the cell is the ___.
- A.
Nucleus.
- B.
Golgi apparatus.
- C.
Central vacuole.
- D.
Nuclear envelope.
Correct Answer
B. Golgi apparatus.Explanation
The Golgi apparatus packages proteins.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Which of the following is NOT found in both animal and plant cells?
- A.
A cell wall.
- B.
A plasma membrane.
- C.
Mitochondria.
- D.
The endoplasmic reticulum.
Correct Answer
A. A cell wall.Explanation
Animal cells do NOT have cell walls, a large central vacuole, or chloroplasts. Plant cells usually do not have lysosomes or centrioles.Rate this question:
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- 41.
The organelles that make food through the process of photosynthesis are called ___.
- A.
Mitochondria.
- B.
Chloroplasts.
- C.
Golgi apparatus.
- D.
Vacuoles.
Correct Answer
B. Chloroplasts.Explanation
Chloroplasts make food for plant cells.Rate this question:
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