WGU Intro to Biology C190 Test Bank Latest Update 2026
| Comprehensive Prep
1. If a cell fails to properly condense its DNA into chromosomes during
metaphase, what potential outcome could occur?
Unequal distribution of genetic material
Enhanced protein synthesis
Increased rate of DNA replication
Formation of new cell types
2. Which of the following is a function of RNA?
Ribozymes catalyze some biological reactions.
Small, noncoding RNAs regulate gene expression.
RNA carries genetic information for some viruses.
All of the above.
RNA constitutes the cellular machinery that links amino acids in the
correct sequence.
3. In a small population of butterflies, a storm randomly eliminates a significant
number of individuals. How might this event illustrate genetic drift?
The storm will cause natural selection to favor the strongest
butterflies, increasing their allele frequencies.
The storm may randomly remove certain alleles from the
population, leading to a change in allele frequencies and
potentially reducing genetic diversity.
The storm will introduce new alleles into the population, enhancing
genetic diversity.
, The storm will have no effect on the population's gene pool since it is
a natural event.
4. Describe how the absence of a nucleus in prokaryotic cells affects their
genetic material.
Prokaryotic cells store genetic material in mitochondria.
Prokaryotic cells do not contain any genetic material.
Prokaryotic cells have multiple nuclei to manage genetic information.
In prokaryotic cells, genetic material is located in the nucleoid
region instead of a membrane-bound nucleus.
5. Describe how commensalism differs from mutualism and parasitism in
ecological relationships.
Commensalism harms both organisms, while mutualism benefits one
and parasitism benefits the other.
Commensalism benefits both organisms, while mutualism harms one
and parasitism benefits the other.
Commensalism is the same as mutualism, while parasitism is a different
type of relationship.
Commensalism involves one organism benefiting without affecting
the other, while mutualism benefits both organisms and parasitism
harms one.
6. Describe the primary function of DNA in cellular processes.
DNA regulates metabolic processes.
DNA synthesizes proteins for cellular structure.
DNA carries genetic information necessary for the growth,
development, and functioning of living organisms.
, DNA provides energy for cellular activities.
7. If a population of butterflies experiences a significant increase in genetic flow
from a neighboring population, what potential outcome could occur in terms
of adaptation?
The population will become less adaptable and more uniform.
The population will experience a decrease in reproductive success.
The population will only change in physical appearance, not in genetic
makeup.
The population may adapt more quickly to environmental changes
due to increased genetic variation.
8. What happens during the metaphase stage of mitosis?
Chromosomes align in the middle of the cell.
Chromosomes condense and become visible.
Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
Nuclear envelope breaks down.
9. How does competition have a significant ecological and evolutionary
influences on the niches of species?
It doesn't
It leads to allopatric speciation
It can eventually lead to fixation in a population
It can restrict the niches of species to a narrower set of conditions
than they would in the absence of competition.
, 10. A molecule consists of a chain of glucose monomers linked together. What is
the function of this molecule within the cell?
To catalyze chemical reactions
To store genetic information
To transport materials
To store energy
11. What type of ecological interaction is exemplified by the relationship
between the Arctic bumblebee and the Arctic poppy?
Parasitism
Mutualism
Competition
Commensalism
12. Describe how natural selection contributes to the process of evolution.
Natural selection contributes to evolution by eliminating all genetic
variation in a population.
Natural selection contributes to evolution by favoring traits that
enhance survival and reproduction, leading to gradual changes in
the population over generations.
Natural selection contributes to evolution by ensuring all individuals
in a population reproduce equally.
Natural selection contributes to evolution by introducing random
mutations that have no effect on survival.
13. If a mutation occurred that prevented homologous chromosomes from
separating during Meiosis I, what would be the likely outcome for the
| Comprehensive Prep
1. If a cell fails to properly condense its DNA into chromosomes during
metaphase, what potential outcome could occur?
Unequal distribution of genetic material
Enhanced protein synthesis
Increased rate of DNA replication
Formation of new cell types
2. Which of the following is a function of RNA?
Ribozymes catalyze some biological reactions.
Small, noncoding RNAs regulate gene expression.
RNA carries genetic information for some viruses.
All of the above.
RNA constitutes the cellular machinery that links amino acids in the
correct sequence.
3. In a small population of butterflies, a storm randomly eliminates a significant
number of individuals. How might this event illustrate genetic drift?
The storm will cause natural selection to favor the strongest
butterflies, increasing their allele frequencies.
The storm may randomly remove certain alleles from the
population, leading to a change in allele frequencies and
potentially reducing genetic diversity.
The storm will introduce new alleles into the population, enhancing
genetic diversity.
, The storm will have no effect on the population's gene pool since it is
a natural event.
4. Describe how the absence of a nucleus in prokaryotic cells affects their
genetic material.
Prokaryotic cells store genetic material in mitochondria.
Prokaryotic cells do not contain any genetic material.
Prokaryotic cells have multiple nuclei to manage genetic information.
In prokaryotic cells, genetic material is located in the nucleoid
region instead of a membrane-bound nucleus.
5. Describe how commensalism differs from mutualism and parasitism in
ecological relationships.
Commensalism harms both organisms, while mutualism benefits one
and parasitism benefits the other.
Commensalism benefits both organisms, while mutualism harms one
and parasitism benefits the other.
Commensalism is the same as mutualism, while parasitism is a different
type of relationship.
Commensalism involves one organism benefiting without affecting
the other, while mutualism benefits both organisms and parasitism
harms one.
6. Describe the primary function of DNA in cellular processes.
DNA regulates metabolic processes.
DNA synthesizes proteins for cellular structure.
DNA carries genetic information necessary for the growth,
development, and functioning of living organisms.
, DNA provides energy for cellular activities.
7. If a population of butterflies experiences a significant increase in genetic flow
from a neighboring population, what potential outcome could occur in terms
of adaptation?
The population will become less adaptable and more uniform.
The population will experience a decrease in reproductive success.
The population will only change in physical appearance, not in genetic
makeup.
The population may adapt more quickly to environmental changes
due to increased genetic variation.
8. What happens during the metaphase stage of mitosis?
Chromosomes align in the middle of the cell.
Chromosomes condense and become visible.
Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
Nuclear envelope breaks down.
9. How does competition have a significant ecological and evolutionary
influences on the niches of species?
It doesn't
It leads to allopatric speciation
It can eventually lead to fixation in a population
It can restrict the niches of species to a narrower set of conditions
than they would in the absence of competition.
, 10. A molecule consists of a chain of glucose monomers linked together. What is
the function of this molecule within the cell?
To catalyze chemical reactions
To store genetic information
To transport materials
To store energy
11. What type of ecological interaction is exemplified by the relationship
between the Arctic bumblebee and the Arctic poppy?
Parasitism
Mutualism
Competition
Commensalism
12. Describe how natural selection contributes to the process of evolution.
Natural selection contributes to evolution by eliminating all genetic
variation in a population.
Natural selection contributes to evolution by favoring traits that
enhance survival and reproduction, leading to gradual changes in
the population over generations.
Natural selection contributes to evolution by ensuring all individuals
in a population reproduce equally.
Natural selection contributes to evolution by introducing random
mutations that have no effect on survival.
13. If a mutation occurred that prevented homologous chromosomes from
separating during Meiosis I, what would be the likely outcome for the
