ASVAB GENERAL SCIENCE STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027 | VERIFIED PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH DETAILED SOLUTIONS

ASVAB GENERAL SCIENCE STUDY GUIDE
2026/2027 | VERIFIED PRACTICE QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS WITH DETAILED SOLUTIONS
ASVAB GENERAL SCIENCE STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027

VERIFIED PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH DETAILED SOLUTIONS



DOCUMENT OVERVIEW:

• This comprehensive study guide contains 200 carefully vetted practice questions
designed to prepare you for the ASVAB General Science subtest, covering all major
topics including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science with verified answers
and detailed rationales for each question.

• Study this material by working through questions section by section, reviewing the
rationale for every answer—whether you get it right or wrong—to reinforce your
understanding of core science concepts and test-taking strategies critical for ASVAB
success.




Question 1: What is the basic unit of life and the smallest unit that can carry
out all life processes?

A) Atom

B) Molecule

C) Cell

D) Organism

E) Tissue

CORRECT ANSWER: C - Cell

RATIONALE: The cell is universally recognized as the basic unit of life. All living
organisms are composed of one or more cells, and the cell is the smallest unit
capable of carrying out all life processes including metabolism, growth,
reproduction, and response to stimuli. While atoms and molecules are smaller, they

,are not alive and cannot independently perform life functions. An organism is made
of many cells, and tissue is a group of similar cells.



Question 2: Which of the following organelles is responsible for producing
energy in the form of ATP in a cell?

A) Ribosome

B) Mitochondrion

C) Golgi apparatus

D) Nucleus

E) Endoplasmic reticulum

CORRECT ANSWER: B - Mitochondrion

RATIONALE: The mitochondrion is the powerhouse of the cell, producing ATP
(adenosine triphosphate) through cellular respiration. This organelle contains
enzymes necessary for breaking down glucose and other nutrients to release
energy. Ribosomes synthesize proteins; the Golgi apparatus modifies and packages
proteins; the nucleus contains genetic material; and the endoplasmic reticulum
synthesizes and transports proteins and lipids. Only the mitochondrion generates
ATP for cellular energy.



Question 3: In photosynthesis, which of the following is the primary energy
source for the process?

A) Water

B) Chlorophyll

C) Sunlight

D) Carbon dioxide

E) Glucose

CORRECT ANSWER: C - Sunlight

,RATIONALE: Sunlight is the primary energy source for photosynthesis. During the
light-dependent reactions, photons from sunlight are absorbed by chlorophyll,
exciting electrons and initiating the process that eventually produces ATP and
NADPH. While water and carbon dioxide are raw materials needed for
photosynthesis, and glucose is the product, neither serves as the energy source.
Chlorophyll is the pigment that captures light energy but is not itself the energy
source.



Question 4: What is the primary function of DNA in a living organism?

A) To transport oxygen throughout the body

B) To store genetic information and control heredity

C) To catalyze metabolic reactions

D) To provide structural support

E) To regulate blood glucose levels

CORRECT ANSWER: B - To store genetic information and control heredity

RATIONALE: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that stores genetic
information in the form of genes. It controls hereditary traits by directing the
synthesis of proteins through transcription and translation. It is also responsible for
passing genetic information to offspring. Oxygen transport is handled by
hemoglobin; catalyzing reactions is done by enzymes; structural support comes
from proteins like collagen; and blood glucose regulation is controlled by hormones
like insulin.



Question 5: Which process involves the division of a cell to produce two
genetically identical daughter cells?

A) Meiosis

B) Mitosis

C) Fermentation

, D) Photosynthesis

E) Conjugation

CORRECT ANSWER: B - Mitosis

RATIONALE: Mitosis is the process of cell division that produces two genetically
identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent
cell. This is the basis for growth and asexual reproduction in organisms. Meiosis
produces four genetically different cells with half the chromosomes; fermentation
is an anaerobic metabolic process; photosynthesis produces glucose; and
conjugation is a form of bacterial reproduction involving genetic exchange.



Question 6: What are the three main components of an atom?

A) Protons, neutrons, and electrons

B) Protons, photons, and electrons

C) Neutrons, ions, and isotopes

D) Electrons, quarks, and neutrinos

E) Protons, molecules, and electrons

CORRECT ANSWER: A - Protons, neutrons, and electrons

RATIONALE: All atoms are composed of three primary subatomic particles: protons
(positive charge, found in nucleus), neutrons (neutral, found in nucleus), and
electrons (negative charge, found in electron shells around nucleus). Photons are
particles of light, not atomic components. Ions and isotopes are forms of atoms,
not components. Quarks and neutrinos are subatomic particles not typically
considered basic atomic components in general chemistry.



Question 7: Which of the following is an example of a chemical change?

A) Melting of ice

B) Boiling of water