A R I Z O N A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y · B I O 1 8 1
BIO 181 Exam 1
Practice Question Bank
Comprehensive Review with Biological Rationales
Biochemistry — Metabolism — Cell Biology — Genetics
90 Comprehensive Questions with Verified Answers
Edition 1 · August 2026
✓ Institution Verification
VERIFIED This document was independently verified as belonging to Arizona State
University — BIO 181 Introduction to Biology. This comprehensive review covers
biochemistry, metabolism, cellular respiration, enzyme function, thermodynamics,
biomolecules, genetics, and evolutionary principles.
Table of Contents
,1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
3. Appreciation & Review 12
BIO 181 · Arizona State University Page 1
,BIO 181 EXAM 1 STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem carefully, choose your answer, then review the rationale directly below. Each
correct option is marked, and every wrong option is explained so you understand why it's
incorrect — not just that it is. These questions are designed to mirror the exam format and
biological reasoning required for BIO 181 at Arizona State University.
Category: Biology — Biochemistry, Metabolism, Cell Biology, Genetics
1 Which six elements are most important for the survival of life?
A H, C, N, O, P, S
B H, C, N, O, Ca, Fe
C C, H, O, N, Na, Cl
D C, H, O, P, S, Mg
Why A is correct: The six elements most important for life are hydrogen (H), carbon (C),
nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S). These are known as the "big six"
elements that make up the majority of biological molecules.
B — Calcium and iron are important but not among the "big six."
C — Sodium and chlorine are important but not among the "big six."
D — Magnesium is important but sulfur is part of the "big six."
, 2 The shared biochemistry of all life is often considered evidence for:
A Shared common descent of all life on earth
B Intelligent design
C Convergent evolution
D Parallel evolution
Why A is correct: The shared biochemistry of all life (universal genetic code, same
metabolic pathways, similar macromolecules) is considered strong evidence for shared
common descent of all life on earth from a common ancestor.
B — Shared biochemistry supports evolution, not intelligent design.
C — Convergent evolution produces similar traits independently, not shared biochemistry.
D — Parallel evolution is similar to convergent evolution.
3 Water has which property or properties?
A Hydrophilic
B Forms hydrogen bonds
C Frozen form has lower density than liquid form
D All of the above
Why D is correct: Water is hydrophilic (attracted to other polar molecules), forms hydrogen
bonds, and its frozen form (ice) has lower density than liquid water. All of these properties
are important for life.
A — This is true but not the only property.
B — This is true but not the only property.
C — This is true but not the only property.
BIO 181 Exam 1
Practice Question Bank
Comprehensive Review with Biological Rationales
Biochemistry — Metabolism — Cell Biology — Genetics
90 Comprehensive Questions with Verified Answers
Edition 1 · August 2026
✓ Institution Verification
VERIFIED This document was independently verified as belonging to Arizona State
University — BIO 181 Introduction to Biology. This comprehensive review covers
biochemistry, metabolism, cellular respiration, enzyme function, thermodynamics,
biomolecules, genetics, and evolutionary principles.
Table of Contents
,1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
3. Appreciation & Review 12
BIO 181 · Arizona State University Page 1
,BIO 181 EXAM 1 STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem carefully, choose your answer, then review the rationale directly below. Each
correct option is marked, and every wrong option is explained so you understand why it's
incorrect — not just that it is. These questions are designed to mirror the exam format and
biological reasoning required for BIO 181 at Arizona State University.
Category: Biology — Biochemistry, Metabolism, Cell Biology, Genetics
1 Which six elements are most important for the survival of life?
A H, C, N, O, P, S
B H, C, N, O, Ca, Fe
C C, H, O, N, Na, Cl
D C, H, O, P, S, Mg
Why A is correct: The six elements most important for life are hydrogen (H), carbon (C),
nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S). These are known as the "big six"
elements that make up the majority of biological molecules.
B — Calcium and iron are important but not among the "big six."
C — Sodium and chlorine are important but not among the "big six."
D — Magnesium is important but sulfur is part of the "big six."
, 2 The shared biochemistry of all life is often considered evidence for:
A Shared common descent of all life on earth
B Intelligent design
C Convergent evolution
D Parallel evolution
Why A is correct: The shared biochemistry of all life (universal genetic code, same
metabolic pathways, similar macromolecules) is considered strong evidence for shared
common descent of all life on earth from a common ancestor.
B — Shared biochemistry supports evolution, not intelligent design.
C — Convergent evolution produces similar traits independently, not shared biochemistry.
D — Parallel evolution is similar to convergent evolution.
3 Water has which property or properties?
A Hydrophilic
B Forms hydrogen bonds
C Frozen form has lower density than liquid form
D All of the above
Why D is correct: Water is hydrophilic (attracted to other polar molecules), forms hydrogen
bonds, and its frozen form (ice) has lower density than liquid water. All of these properties
are important for life.
A — This is true but not the only property.
B — This is true but not the only property.
C — This is true but not the only property.
