WGU C190
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
FINAL EXAM
Questions and Verified Answers
Western Governors University
Latest 2026/2027 Update
Total Questions: 70
Format: Multiple Choice (A-D), One Correct Answer
Sections: 7 Comprehensive Biology Domains
Answers: 100% Correct Verified with Detailed Rationales
Aligned: WGU C190 Course Competencies 2026-2027
Cognitive Levels: 30% Recall, 50% Application, 20% Analysis
Focus: Chemistry, Cells, Metabolism, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Evolution, Ecology
Aligned with 2026-2027 WGU C190 Introduction to Biology Course Competencies
,WGU C190 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY FINAL EXAM 2026/2027 Western Governors University
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: Chemistry of Life and Biological Macromolecules
Q1 - Q14
Section 2: Cell Structure and Function
Q15 - Q24
Section 3: Metabolism and Energy Flow
Q25 - Q34
Section 4: Cell Division and Genetics
Q35 - Q46
Section 5: Molecular Biology and Gene Expression
Q47 - Q56
Section 6: Evolution and The Origin of Species
Q57 - Q63
Section 7: Ecology and Environmental Biology
Q64 - Q70
100% Correct Verified Answers with Rationales Page 2
, WGU C190 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY FINAL EXAM 2026/2027 Western Governors University
SECTION 1: Chemistry of Life and Biological Macromolecules
Atoms, Bonds, Water, pH, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids, and Enzymes (Q1-Q14)
Q1: A biologist is studying a molecule that contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio, forms a
ring structure in solution, and is the primary energy source for cellular respiration. Which class of
macromolecule is being described?
A. Lipid
B. Protein
C. Carbohydrate (specifically the monosaccharide glucose, C6H12O6) [CORRECT]
D. Nucleic acid
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Glucose (C6H12O6) is a monosaccharide with the characteristic C:H:O ratio of 1:2:1 for carbohydrates. In aqueous
solution, glucose predominantly exists as a ring (pyranose) structure rather than a linear chain. Glucose is the primary substrate for
glycolysis and cellular respiration, making it the central energy source for most living organisms. Lipids have mostly C and H with
little O. Proteins contain N in addition to C, H, O. Nucleic acids contain N and P.
Q2: Water exhibits unique properties that are essential for life. Which property of water is MOST directly
responsible for the ability of insects like water striders to walk on the surface of a pond?
A. High specific heat capacity
B. Cohesion due to hydrogen bonding between water molecules at the surface, creating surface tension
[CORRECT]
C. Adhesion to the surfaces of plant tissues
D. Ice being less dense than liquid water
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Surface tension results from the cohesive forces between water molecules at the air-water interface. Water molecules
at the surface experience an unbalanced inward pull from neighboring molecules below and beside them, creating a high-tension
surface film. This cohesion is due to hydrogen bonding. Water striders distribute their weight across the surface without breaking
these hydrogen bonds. High specific heat relates to temperature regulation. Adhesion explains capillary action. Ice density affects
aquatic life in winter.
Q3: A researcher isolates a macromolecule composed of amino acid subunits linked by peptide bonds. The
molecule has four levels of structural organization, and its function depends on the precise three-dimensional
shape of the active site. Which type of macromolecule is this, and what is the HIGHEST level of structure
described?
A. Carbohydrate; quaternary structure
B. Nucleic acid; secondary structure
C. Protein; quaternary structure (when multiple polypeptide subunits are arranged together) [CORRECT]
D. Lipid; primary structure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Proteins are polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds and exhibit four structural levels: primary (amino acid
sequence), secondary (alpha helices and beta sheets from hydrogen bonding), tertiary (overall 3D folding of a single polypeptide),
and quaternary (arrangement of multiple polypeptide subunits). Not all proteins have quaternary structure (e.g., myoglobin does
not; hemoglobin does with four subunits). Carbohydrates are linked by glycosidic bonds. Nucleic acids are linked by
phosphodiester bonds. Lipids do not have these structural levels.
Q4: A patient has a blood pH of 7.25, which is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45. Which statement BEST
describes this condition and the role of the bicarbonate buffer system?
A. The patient has alkalosis, and bicarbonate accepts H+ ions to raise pH.
B. The patient has acidosis, and the bicarbonate buffer system acts to accept excess H+ ions to help restore pH
toward normal. [CORRECT]
C. The patient has acidosis, and bicarbonate donates H+ ions to raise pH.
D. The patient has alkalosis, and the bicarbonate buffer system releases H+ ions.
Correct Answer: B
100% Correct Verified Answers with Rationales Page 3
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
FINAL EXAM
Questions and Verified Answers
Western Governors University
Latest 2026/2027 Update
Total Questions: 70
Format: Multiple Choice (A-D), One Correct Answer
Sections: 7 Comprehensive Biology Domains
Answers: 100% Correct Verified with Detailed Rationales
Aligned: WGU C190 Course Competencies 2026-2027
Cognitive Levels: 30% Recall, 50% Application, 20% Analysis
Focus: Chemistry, Cells, Metabolism, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Evolution, Ecology
Aligned with 2026-2027 WGU C190 Introduction to Biology Course Competencies
,WGU C190 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY FINAL EXAM 2026/2027 Western Governors University
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: Chemistry of Life and Biological Macromolecules
Q1 - Q14
Section 2: Cell Structure and Function
Q15 - Q24
Section 3: Metabolism and Energy Flow
Q25 - Q34
Section 4: Cell Division and Genetics
Q35 - Q46
Section 5: Molecular Biology and Gene Expression
Q47 - Q56
Section 6: Evolution and The Origin of Species
Q57 - Q63
Section 7: Ecology and Environmental Biology
Q64 - Q70
100% Correct Verified Answers with Rationales Page 2
, WGU C190 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY FINAL EXAM 2026/2027 Western Governors University
SECTION 1: Chemistry of Life and Biological Macromolecules
Atoms, Bonds, Water, pH, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids, and Enzymes (Q1-Q14)
Q1: A biologist is studying a molecule that contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio, forms a
ring structure in solution, and is the primary energy source for cellular respiration. Which class of
macromolecule is being described?
A. Lipid
B. Protein
C. Carbohydrate (specifically the monosaccharide glucose, C6H12O6) [CORRECT]
D. Nucleic acid
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Glucose (C6H12O6) is a monosaccharide with the characteristic C:H:O ratio of 1:2:1 for carbohydrates. In aqueous
solution, glucose predominantly exists as a ring (pyranose) structure rather than a linear chain. Glucose is the primary substrate for
glycolysis and cellular respiration, making it the central energy source for most living organisms. Lipids have mostly C and H with
little O. Proteins contain N in addition to C, H, O. Nucleic acids contain N and P.
Q2: Water exhibits unique properties that are essential for life. Which property of water is MOST directly
responsible for the ability of insects like water striders to walk on the surface of a pond?
A. High specific heat capacity
B. Cohesion due to hydrogen bonding between water molecules at the surface, creating surface tension
[CORRECT]
C. Adhesion to the surfaces of plant tissues
D. Ice being less dense than liquid water
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Surface tension results from the cohesive forces between water molecules at the air-water interface. Water molecules
at the surface experience an unbalanced inward pull from neighboring molecules below and beside them, creating a high-tension
surface film. This cohesion is due to hydrogen bonding. Water striders distribute their weight across the surface without breaking
these hydrogen bonds. High specific heat relates to temperature regulation. Adhesion explains capillary action. Ice density affects
aquatic life in winter.
Q3: A researcher isolates a macromolecule composed of amino acid subunits linked by peptide bonds. The
molecule has four levels of structural organization, and its function depends on the precise three-dimensional
shape of the active site. Which type of macromolecule is this, and what is the HIGHEST level of structure
described?
A. Carbohydrate; quaternary structure
B. Nucleic acid; secondary structure
C. Protein; quaternary structure (when multiple polypeptide subunits are arranged together) [CORRECT]
D. Lipid; primary structure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Proteins are polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds and exhibit four structural levels: primary (amino acid
sequence), secondary (alpha helices and beta sheets from hydrogen bonding), tertiary (overall 3D folding of a single polypeptide),
and quaternary (arrangement of multiple polypeptide subunits). Not all proteins have quaternary structure (e.g., myoglobin does
not; hemoglobin does with four subunits). Carbohydrates are linked by glycosidic bonds. Nucleic acids are linked by
phosphodiester bonds. Lipids do not have these structural levels.
Q4: A patient has a blood pH of 7.25, which is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45. Which statement BEST
describes this condition and the role of the bicarbonate buffer system?
A. The patient has alkalosis, and bicarbonate accepts H+ ions to raise pH.
B. The patient has acidosis, and the bicarbonate buffer system acts to accept excess H+ ions to help restore pH
toward normal. [CORRECT]
C. The patient has acidosis, and bicarbonate donates H+ ions to raise pH.
D. The patient has alkalosis, and the bicarbonate buffer system releases H+ ions.
Correct Answer: B
100% Correct Verified Answers with Rationales Page 3
