Below is a set of sample revision test questions based on key concepts
from Campbell Biology in Focus, 3rd Editionchapter1-25 (ISBN:
9780135191781). Each question is followed by the correct answer and
a brief rationale explaining why that answer is correct. These
questions are designed to help reinforce your understanding of major
topics covered in the text.
Revision Test Questions
Question 1:
Which statement best explains why evolution is considered the unifying theme of biology?
A. It explains only the diversity of species found on Earth.
B. It provides a framework for understanding both the unity and diversity of life.
C. It is based solely on fossil evidence.
D. It applies only to animals and plants.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Evolution explains not only the diversity of species but also how all living organisms share
common ancestry, thus unifying biology as a field of study.
Question 2:
Which of the following is true about the structure of prokaryotic cells compared to eukaryotic cells?
A. Prokaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles.
B. Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus that houses genetic material.
C. Prokaryotic cells are typically smaller and lack a nucleus.
D. Prokaryotic cells are larger and more complex than eukaryotic cells.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller than eukaryotic cells and do not have a nucleus or
other membrane-bound organelles, which is a key distinguishing factor.
Question 3:
During photosynthesis, which of the following best describes the role of the light-dependent reactions?
A. They store energy in the form of sugar molecules.
B. They generate ATP and NADPH by converting light energy.
C. They capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
D. They break down glucose molecules to produce energy.
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The light-dependent reactions convert solar energy into chemical energy, producing ATP and
NADPH, which are then used in the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions) to synthesize sugars.
Question 4:
What is the primary function of the cell membrane in animal cells?
A. To synthesize proteins.
B. To protect and organize the cell by regulating the movement of substances.
C. To house the cell’s genetic material.
D. To generate energy through ATP synthesis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that not only protects the cell but also
controls the influx and efflux of materials, maintaining homeostasis.
Question 5:
Which enzyme is critical for catalyzing the breakdown of glucose during glycolysis?
A. DNA polymerase
B. RNA polymerase
C. Hexokinase
D. Ligase
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hexokinase catalyzes the first step in glycolysis, phosphorylating glucose to trap it within the
cell and begin its breakdown for energy production.
Question 6:
In the context of gene expression, what is the main function of mRNA?
A. To serve as a structural component of ribosomes.
B. To transport amino acids to the site of protein synthesis.
C. To carry genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes for translation.
D. To replicate the cell’s DNA.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes
in the cytoplasm, where it is translated into a specific sequence of amino acids to form a protein.
Question 7:
Which process is responsible for increasing genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?
A. Binary fission
B. Mitosis
,C. Meiosis
D. Budding
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Meiosis generates genetic diversity through processes such as crossing over and independent
assortment of chromosomes, which are critical for evolution and adaptation.
Question 8:
Which feedback mechanism is involved when the human body initiates sweating in response to
increased body temperature?
A. Positive feedback
B. Negative feedback
C. Feedforward control
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Negative feedback is a regulatory mechanism that reverses a deviation from a set point;
sweating cools the body, counteracting the initial rise in temperature.
Question 9:
In ecology, what is the primary focus of conservation biology?
A. Increasing population sizes regardless of genetic diversity.
B. Studying only the abiotic components of an ecosystem.
C. Protecting biodiversity by preserving species, habitats, and ecosystems.
D. Maximizing resource extraction from natural environments.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Conservation biology aims to protect biodiversity by ensuring the sustainability of species and
their habitats, which is crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
Question 10:
How does the structure of DNA support its role in heredity?
A. Its double-helical shape prevents replication errors.
B. The sequence of nucleotides encodes genetic information.
C. Its ribose sugars are responsible for energy storage.
D. It is composed solely of proteins that regulate cell function.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sequence of nucleotides in DNA carries the genetic information that determines the
structure and function of organisms, making it the fundamental blueprint for heredity.
Final Note
, These questions are intended as a self-test to review and consolidate your understanding of the material
presented in Biology in Focus, 3rd Edition by Urry. Reviewing the rationale behind each answer should
help clarify any misunderstandings and guide further study. For more detailed explanations and
additional practice questions, refer to the textbook and class resources.
Reference: Campbell Biology in Focus, 3rd Edition by Urry et al.
Below is an extended set of revision test questions (with answers and rationales) covering Chapters 1 to
6 of Biology in Focus, 3rd Edition. These questions target key concepts from each chapter to help
reinforce your understanding of the foundational topics in biology.
Chapter 1: Evolution and the Foundations of Biology
Question 1:
Which of the following best illustrates the concept of "descent with modification"?
A. The creation of species through spontaneous generation.
B. The observation that all organisms share certain molecular similarities.
C. The idea that each generation is an exact copy of the previous one.
D. The hypothesis that environmental factors do not influence evolution.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: "Descent with modification" refers to the process by which species change over time and
share common ancestors. Similar molecular structures across organisms support this idea by showing
common ancestry and gradual change.
Question 2:
In biological studies, why is it important to use hypotheses that can be tested?
A. To ensure that theories remain unchanged over time.
B. To allow for the possibility of revision or rejection based on experimental evidence.
C. To guarantee that the initial idea is always correct.
D. To focus only on descriptive data without drawing conclusions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Testable hypotheses are central to the scientific method because they allow researchers to
collect evidence and potentially revise or reject ideas, thereby advancing our understanding.
Chapter 2: The Chemical Context of Life
Question 3:
Which property of water is most critical for supporting life on Earth?
A. Its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar substances.
B. Its high specific heat capacity.
C. Its solid form being less dense than its liquid form.
D. All of the above.
from Campbell Biology in Focus, 3rd Editionchapter1-25 (ISBN:
9780135191781). Each question is followed by the correct answer and
a brief rationale explaining why that answer is correct. These
questions are designed to help reinforce your understanding of major
topics covered in the text.
Revision Test Questions
Question 1:
Which statement best explains why evolution is considered the unifying theme of biology?
A. It explains only the diversity of species found on Earth.
B. It provides a framework for understanding both the unity and diversity of life.
C. It is based solely on fossil evidence.
D. It applies only to animals and plants.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Evolution explains not only the diversity of species but also how all living organisms share
common ancestry, thus unifying biology as a field of study.
Question 2:
Which of the following is true about the structure of prokaryotic cells compared to eukaryotic cells?
A. Prokaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles.
B. Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus that houses genetic material.
C. Prokaryotic cells are typically smaller and lack a nucleus.
D. Prokaryotic cells are larger and more complex than eukaryotic cells.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller than eukaryotic cells and do not have a nucleus or
other membrane-bound organelles, which is a key distinguishing factor.
Question 3:
During photosynthesis, which of the following best describes the role of the light-dependent reactions?
A. They store energy in the form of sugar molecules.
B. They generate ATP and NADPH by converting light energy.
C. They capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
D. They break down glucose molecules to produce energy.
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The light-dependent reactions convert solar energy into chemical energy, producing ATP and
NADPH, which are then used in the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions) to synthesize sugars.
Question 4:
What is the primary function of the cell membrane in animal cells?
A. To synthesize proteins.
B. To protect and organize the cell by regulating the movement of substances.
C. To house the cell’s genetic material.
D. To generate energy through ATP synthesis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that not only protects the cell but also
controls the influx and efflux of materials, maintaining homeostasis.
Question 5:
Which enzyme is critical for catalyzing the breakdown of glucose during glycolysis?
A. DNA polymerase
B. RNA polymerase
C. Hexokinase
D. Ligase
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hexokinase catalyzes the first step in glycolysis, phosphorylating glucose to trap it within the
cell and begin its breakdown for energy production.
Question 6:
In the context of gene expression, what is the main function of mRNA?
A. To serve as a structural component of ribosomes.
B. To transport amino acids to the site of protein synthesis.
C. To carry genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes for translation.
D. To replicate the cell’s DNA.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes
in the cytoplasm, where it is translated into a specific sequence of amino acids to form a protein.
Question 7:
Which process is responsible for increasing genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?
A. Binary fission
B. Mitosis
,C. Meiosis
D. Budding
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Meiosis generates genetic diversity through processes such as crossing over and independent
assortment of chromosomes, which are critical for evolution and adaptation.
Question 8:
Which feedback mechanism is involved when the human body initiates sweating in response to
increased body temperature?
A. Positive feedback
B. Negative feedback
C. Feedforward control
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Negative feedback is a regulatory mechanism that reverses a deviation from a set point;
sweating cools the body, counteracting the initial rise in temperature.
Question 9:
In ecology, what is the primary focus of conservation biology?
A. Increasing population sizes regardless of genetic diversity.
B. Studying only the abiotic components of an ecosystem.
C. Protecting biodiversity by preserving species, habitats, and ecosystems.
D. Maximizing resource extraction from natural environments.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Conservation biology aims to protect biodiversity by ensuring the sustainability of species and
their habitats, which is crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
Question 10:
How does the structure of DNA support its role in heredity?
A. Its double-helical shape prevents replication errors.
B. The sequence of nucleotides encodes genetic information.
C. Its ribose sugars are responsible for energy storage.
D. It is composed solely of proteins that regulate cell function.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sequence of nucleotides in DNA carries the genetic information that determines the
structure and function of organisms, making it the fundamental blueprint for heredity.
Final Note
, These questions are intended as a self-test to review and consolidate your understanding of the material
presented in Biology in Focus, 3rd Edition by Urry. Reviewing the rationale behind each answer should
help clarify any misunderstandings and guide further study. For more detailed explanations and
additional practice questions, refer to the textbook and class resources.
Reference: Campbell Biology in Focus, 3rd Edition by Urry et al.
Below is an extended set of revision test questions (with answers and rationales) covering Chapters 1 to
6 of Biology in Focus, 3rd Edition. These questions target key concepts from each chapter to help
reinforce your understanding of the foundational topics in biology.
Chapter 1: Evolution and the Foundations of Biology
Question 1:
Which of the following best illustrates the concept of "descent with modification"?
A. The creation of species through spontaneous generation.
B. The observation that all organisms share certain molecular similarities.
C. The idea that each generation is an exact copy of the previous one.
D. The hypothesis that environmental factors do not influence evolution.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: "Descent with modification" refers to the process by which species change over time and
share common ancestors. Similar molecular structures across organisms support this idea by showing
common ancestry and gradual change.
Question 2:
In biological studies, why is it important to use hypotheses that can be tested?
A. To ensure that theories remain unchanged over time.
B. To allow for the possibility of revision or rejection based on experimental evidence.
C. To guarantee that the initial idea is always correct.
D. To focus only on descriptive data without drawing conclusions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Testable hypotheses are central to the scientific method because they allow researchers to
collect evidence and potentially revise or reject ideas, thereby advancing our understanding.
Chapter 2: The Chemical Context of Life
Question 3:
Which property of water is most critical for supporting life on Earth?
A. Its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar substances.
B. Its high specific heat capacity.
C. Its solid form being less dense than its liquid form.
D. All of the above.
