UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BIOLOGY EXAM PREP | HIGH-YIELD
PRACTICE QUESTIONS | VERIFIED ANSWERS| COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
GUIDE
1. Describe the function of chloroplasts in the context of energy transformation
in plant cells.
Chloroplasts store genetic information for cell reproduction.
Chloroplasts break down glucose to release energy for cellular
activities.
Chloroplasts convert light energy into chemical energy stored in
glucose through photosynthesis.
Chloroplasts synthesize proteins necessary for cell structure.
2. What is a covalent bond, and how do atoms form them?
Weak bond formed when atoms completely lose electrons.
Strong bond formed when atoms share a pair of valence electrons,
typically in their outermost energy shells.
Strong bond formed when atoms transfer electrons.
Weak bond formed when atoms share a pair of inner electrons.
3. If a new type of cell is discovered that has a defined nucleus and membrane-
bound organelles, what classification would it likely fall under?
Prokaryotic cell
Eukaryotic cell
Virus
Archaea
,4. How does a higher electronegativity influence the nature of covalent bonds
between atoms?
A higher electronegativity results in a stronger attraction of shared
electrons in covalent bonds.
A higher electronegativity causes atoms to lose electrons.
A higher electronegativity leads to weaker bonds between atoms.
A higher electronegativity has no effect on covalent bonds.
5. What causes the polarity of a water molecule?
Absence of hydrogen bonds
Unequal sharing of electrons between oxygen and hydrogen
Presence of ionic bonds
Equal sharing of electrons between hydrogen atoms
6. If a plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, what effect would this have
on the central vacuole and overall cell function?
The central vacuole would lose water, leading to cell shrinkage and
reduced growth.
The central vacuole would store excess glucose, enhancing energy
production.
The central vacuole would remain unchanged, and the cell would
continue to grow normally.
The central vacuole would absorb more water, causing the cell to
swell.
7. Which of the following statements about chromosomes is TRUE?
, A chromosome only contains DNA
Eukaryotic chromosomes are circular
Each chromosome contains one molecule of DNA
A chromosome contains DNA and proteins that help package DNA
8. The stroma is ____ _.
the innermost portion of the mitochondria
the central, semi-fluid compartment of the chloroplast
a collection of pigment and protein molecules that absorbs solar
energy
the portion of the enzyme to which the activator molecule binds
9. Describe the role of cohesion in the transport of nutrients in plants.
Cohesion allows plants to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis.
Cohesion allows water molecules to stick together, enabling the
movement of water and dissolved nutrients through plant vessels.
Cohesion helps in the formation of soil, which is necessary for nutrient
absorption.
Cohesion prevents water from evaporating, which is essential for
nutrient transport.
10. Which of the following important properties of water for life is the result of
water's tendency to form hydrogen bonds?
Adhesion
Cohesion
High specific heat
, Floating of ice on liquid water
All of the above
11. Evaporation is a phase change of water that occurs when
liquid turns into vapor
ice turns into liquid
vapor turns into ice
vapor turns into liquid
12. What are the primary functions of vacuoles in plant cells?
Protein synthesis and energy production.
Storage and maintaining different compositions compared to the
cytosol.
Cell division and DNA replication.
Photosynthesis and respiration.
13. Describe how the endomembrane system contributes to cellular function in
eukaryotic cells.
The endomembrane system stores genetic information in the nucleus.
The endomembrane system protects the cell from external damage.
The endomembrane system facilitates the synthesis, modification,
and transport of proteins and lipids, ensuring proper cellular
function and organization.
The endomembrane system is responsible for energy production in
the cell.