BIOL 101 Final Exam V1 | BIOL 101 Principles of Biology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (BIOL101 Final Exam) | Liberty University
1. A scientist observes that a certain species of plant grows faster in the presence of more
sunlight. This observation is the first step in which process?
A. The scientific method
B. Natural selection
C. Homeostatic regulation
D. The law of thermodynamics
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The scientific method begins with an observation that leads to a question and
a hypothesis. In this scenario, the researcher is identifying a pattern that requires further
systematic testing. Observations are foundational to forming testable predictions in
biological research.
2. Which property of water allows it to form beads on a waxy surface and creates surface
tension?
A. High specific heat
B. Universal solvent properties
C. Cohesion
D. Adhesion
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance,
which in water is caused by hydrogen bonding. This internal attraction allows water to
resist external forces and form droplets. It is a critical property that supports life by
enabling phenomena like surface tension.
3. What is the primary function of the mitochondria within a eukaryotic cell?
A. Protein synthesis
B. Storage of genetic information
C. Production of ATP via cellular respiration
D. Packaging and shipping proteins
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell because
they convert chemical energy from food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process,
known as cellular respiration, occurs across the inner folds of the organelle called cristae.
Without this energy production, most cellular functions would cease to operate.
4. In the context of the Biblical worldview of origins, what does the term ‘Baraminology’
study?
A. The evolution of primates into humans
B. The geologic timescale of fossils
C. The chemical origin of the first cell
D. The classification of created kinds
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Baraminology is a study within the Creation model that attempts to identify
the original ‘created kinds’ mentioned in Genesis. It suggests that while significant variation
can occur within a kind, one kind cannot transform into another. This framework contrasts
with the Darwinian model of common descent for all life.
5. During which phase of the cell cycle is DNA replicated?
A. G1 phase
B. Mitosis
C. G2 phase
D. S phase
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The S phase, or synthesis phase, is the specific period during interphase
when the cell duplicates its genomic DNA. This ensures that after cell division, each
daughter cell receives a complete and identical set of genetic instructions. Accurate
replication during this stage is vital for maintaining genetic stability across generations.
6. Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for long-term energy storage and the
structure of cell membranes?
A. Proteins
B. Carbohydrates
C. Nucleic acids
D. Lipids
Correct Answer: D
, Explanation: Lipids are hydrophobic molecules that serve as efficient energy reserves
because they pack more energy per gram than carbohydrates. Phospholipids, a specific
type of lipid, form the bilayer that constitutes the structural foundation of all biological
membranes. They also play key roles in signaling and insulation within the body.
7. If a plant appears green to the human eye, what is happening to the green wavelength of
light?
A. It is being absorbed by chlorophyll a
B. It is being converted into chemical energy
C. It is being reflected or transmitted
D. It is being used to split water molecules
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The color we perceive is determined by the wavelengths of light that are not
absorbed by a substance. Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light for photosynthesis but
reflects green light, which is why leaves appear green. This reflection is a result of the
specific electronic structure of the chlorophyll molecule.
8. What is the relationship between an enzyme and its substrate?
A. The enzyme binds to the substrate at the active site
B. The substrate lowers the activation energy of the enzyme
C. The enzyme is consumed by the reaction
D. Enzymes only bind to substrates in high temperatures
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Enzymes act as biological catalysts by providing an active site where specific
substrates can bind and react. This ‘lock and key’ or ‘induced fit’ model allows chemical
reactions to occur much faster than they would otherwise. The enzyme itself remains
unchanged by the reaction and can be reused immediately.
9. In Mendelian genetics, what is the expected phenotypic ratio of a cross between two
individuals heterozygous for a single trait (Aa x Aa)?
A. 1:1
B. 1:2:1
C. 9:3:3:1
D. 3:1
Correct Answer: D
with Rationale (BIOL101 Final Exam) | Liberty University
1. A scientist observes that a certain species of plant grows faster in the presence of more
sunlight. This observation is the first step in which process?
A. The scientific method
B. Natural selection
C. Homeostatic regulation
D. The law of thermodynamics
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The scientific method begins with an observation that leads to a question and
a hypothesis. In this scenario, the researcher is identifying a pattern that requires further
systematic testing. Observations are foundational to forming testable predictions in
biological research.
2. Which property of water allows it to form beads on a waxy surface and creates surface
tension?
A. High specific heat
B. Universal solvent properties
C. Cohesion
D. Adhesion
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance,
which in water is caused by hydrogen bonding. This internal attraction allows water to
resist external forces and form droplets. It is a critical property that supports life by
enabling phenomena like surface tension.
3. What is the primary function of the mitochondria within a eukaryotic cell?
A. Protein synthesis
B. Storage of genetic information
C. Production of ATP via cellular respiration
D. Packaging and shipping proteins
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell because
they convert chemical energy from food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process,
known as cellular respiration, occurs across the inner folds of the organelle called cristae.
Without this energy production, most cellular functions would cease to operate.
4. In the context of the Biblical worldview of origins, what does the term ‘Baraminology’
study?
A. The evolution of primates into humans
B. The geologic timescale of fossils
C. The chemical origin of the first cell
D. The classification of created kinds
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Baraminology is a study within the Creation model that attempts to identify
the original ‘created kinds’ mentioned in Genesis. It suggests that while significant variation
can occur within a kind, one kind cannot transform into another. This framework contrasts
with the Darwinian model of common descent for all life.
5. During which phase of the cell cycle is DNA replicated?
A. G1 phase
B. Mitosis
C. G2 phase
D. S phase
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The S phase, or synthesis phase, is the specific period during interphase
when the cell duplicates its genomic DNA. This ensures that after cell division, each
daughter cell receives a complete and identical set of genetic instructions. Accurate
replication during this stage is vital for maintaining genetic stability across generations.
6. Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for long-term energy storage and the
structure of cell membranes?
A. Proteins
B. Carbohydrates
C. Nucleic acids
D. Lipids
Correct Answer: D
, Explanation: Lipids are hydrophobic molecules that serve as efficient energy reserves
because they pack more energy per gram than carbohydrates. Phospholipids, a specific
type of lipid, form the bilayer that constitutes the structural foundation of all biological
membranes. They also play key roles in signaling and insulation within the body.
7. If a plant appears green to the human eye, what is happening to the green wavelength of
light?
A. It is being absorbed by chlorophyll a
B. It is being converted into chemical energy
C. It is being reflected or transmitted
D. It is being used to split water molecules
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The color we perceive is determined by the wavelengths of light that are not
absorbed by a substance. Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light for photosynthesis but
reflects green light, which is why leaves appear green. This reflection is a result of the
specific electronic structure of the chlorophyll molecule.
8. What is the relationship between an enzyme and its substrate?
A. The enzyme binds to the substrate at the active site
B. The substrate lowers the activation energy of the enzyme
C. The enzyme is consumed by the reaction
D. Enzymes only bind to substrates in high temperatures
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Enzymes act as biological catalysts by providing an active site where specific
substrates can bind and react. This ‘lock and key’ or ‘induced fit’ model allows chemical
reactions to occur much faster than they would otherwise. The enzyme itself remains
unchanged by the reaction and can be reused immediately.
9. In Mendelian genetics, what is the expected phenotypic ratio of a cross between two
individuals heterozygous for a single trait (Aa x Aa)?
A. 1:1
B. 1:2:1
C. 9:3:3:1
D. 3:1
Correct Answer: D
