BIO 150 Exam 1 Study Guide – UTK
Mamantov | 100 Practice Questions +
Answers | Biology 150 Test 1 Review
Covers: Nature of Science • Experimental Design • Chemistry of Life • Macromolecules • Cells •
Membranes • Enzymes • Metabolism • Evolution • Ecology basics
Part 1 – Nature of Science / Scientific Thinking
1. Describe the nature of science.
- Science is a systematic process of gaining knowledge through observation, experimentation, and
evidence-based reasoning. Scientific ideas change as new evidence emerges.
2. What makes a question “scientific”?
- It must be testable, measurable, and falsifiable using empirical evidence.
3. Give an example of a non-scientific question and explain why it is not scientific.
- “Is chocolate the best flavor?” — It is opinion-based and not measurable.
4. Define a scientific hypothesis.
- A hypothesis is a testable, tentative explanation for an observation.
5. Define a scientific theory.
- A theory is a broad, well-supported explanation backed by extensive evidence.
6. Compare hypotheses and theories.
- Hypotheses are narrow, testable predictions; theories are large-scale explanations supported by many
studies.
7. What makes a hypothesis falsifiable?
, - It can be shown false by evidence.
8. What is required for a controlled experiment?
- Independent variable, dependent variable, control group, and standardized conditions.
9. What is a control group used for?
- To provide a baseline for comparison.
10. Distinguish independent vs. dependent variables.
- Independent variables are manipulated; dependent variables are measured outcomes.
Part 2 – Chemistry of Life
11. Define an atom.
- The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.
12. List the three subatomic particles and their charges.
- Proton (+), neutron (0), electron (–).
13. What makes an atom electrically neutral?
- Equal numbers of protons and electrons.
14. What is an isotope?
- Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
15. What type of bond forms when electrons are shared?
- Covalent bond.
16. What type of bond forms from electron transfer?
- Ionic bond.
17. Why is water polar?
- Oxygen is more electronegative, pulling electrons closer and creating partial charges.
Mamantov | 100 Practice Questions +
Answers | Biology 150 Test 1 Review
Covers: Nature of Science • Experimental Design • Chemistry of Life • Macromolecules • Cells •
Membranes • Enzymes • Metabolism • Evolution • Ecology basics
Part 1 – Nature of Science / Scientific Thinking
1. Describe the nature of science.
- Science is a systematic process of gaining knowledge through observation, experimentation, and
evidence-based reasoning. Scientific ideas change as new evidence emerges.
2. What makes a question “scientific”?
- It must be testable, measurable, and falsifiable using empirical evidence.
3. Give an example of a non-scientific question and explain why it is not scientific.
- “Is chocolate the best flavor?” — It is opinion-based and not measurable.
4. Define a scientific hypothesis.
- A hypothesis is a testable, tentative explanation for an observation.
5. Define a scientific theory.
- A theory is a broad, well-supported explanation backed by extensive evidence.
6. Compare hypotheses and theories.
- Hypotheses are narrow, testable predictions; theories are large-scale explanations supported by many
studies.
7. What makes a hypothesis falsifiable?
, - It can be shown false by evidence.
8. What is required for a controlled experiment?
- Independent variable, dependent variable, control group, and standardized conditions.
9. What is a control group used for?
- To provide a baseline for comparison.
10. Distinguish independent vs. dependent variables.
- Independent variables are manipulated; dependent variables are measured outcomes.
Part 2 – Chemistry of Life
11. Define an atom.
- The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.
12. List the three subatomic particles and their charges.
- Proton (+), neutron (0), electron (–).
13. What makes an atom electrically neutral?
- Equal numbers of protons and electrons.
14. What is an isotope?
- Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
15. What type of bond forms when electrons are shared?
- Covalent bond.
16. What type of bond forms from electron transfer?
- Ionic bond.
17. Why is water polar?
- Oxygen is more electronegative, pulling electrons closer and creating partial charges.
