WGU C190 INTRODUCTION TO
BIOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific law and a
scientific theory?
A. A law is a descriptive statement about how some aspect of the natural world behaves
under stated circumstances, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation.
B. A law explains the mechanism of a phenomenon, while a theory describes the observed
pattern.
C. A theory becomes a law once it has been proven by enough experiments over a century.
D. Laws are based on qualitative data, whereas theories are based exclusively on
quantitative data.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Scientific laws describe ‘what’ happens (often mathematically),
while scientific theories explain ‘why’ or ‘how’ it happens based on a body of evidence.
2. In an atom, which subatomic particle determines the chemical identity of the element?
A. Neutrons
,B. Electrons
C. Photons
D. Protons
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The number of protons (atomic number) defines the element.
Neutrons affect stability/isotopes, and electrons affect charge/bonding.
3. Which type of chemical bond involves the unequal sharing of electrons between atoms,
resulting in partial charges?
A. Nonpolar covalent bond
B. Polar covalent bond
C. Ionic bond
D. Hydrogen bond
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Polar covalent bonds occur when atoms with different
electronegativities share electrons unequally, creating dipoles.
4. Water’s high specific heat is primarily a result of which property?
A. Its ability to ionize into H+ and OH-
B. The formation and breaking of hydrogen bonds
, C. Its low molecular weight
D. Its ability to act as a universal solvent
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hydrogen bonds absorb significant energy before they break
and the molecules begin moving faster, leading to high specific heat.
5. Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for long-term energy storage and forming
the core of cell membranes?
A. Proteins
B. Carbohydrates
C. Lipids
D. Nucleic Acids
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lipids, specifically fats and phospholipids, provide long-term
energy storage and structural integrity for membranes.
6. What is the primary function of the nucleolus within a eukaryotic cell?
A. Ribosome subunit assembly
B. Synthesis of lipids and steroids
C. DNA replication and transcription
BIOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific law and a
scientific theory?
A. A law is a descriptive statement about how some aspect of the natural world behaves
under stated circumstances, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation.
B. A law explains the mechanism of a phenomenon, while a theory describes the observed
pattern.
C. A theory becomes a law once it has been proven by enough experiments over a century.
D. Laws are based on qualitative data, whereas theories are based exclusively on
quantitative data.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Scientific laws describe ‘what’ happens (often mathematically),
while scientific theories explain ‘why’ or ‘how’ it happens based on a body of evidence.
2. In an atom, which subatomic particle determines the chemical identity of the element?
A. Neutrons
,B. Electrons
C. Photons
D. Protons
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The number of protons (atomic number) defines the element.
Neutrons affect stability/isotopes, and electrons affect charge/bonding.
3. Which type of chemical bond involves the unequal sharing of electrons between atoms,
resulting in partial charges?
A. Nonpolar covalent bond
B. Polar covalent bond
C. Ionic bond
D. Hydrogen bond
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Polar covalent bonds occur when atoms with different
electronegativities share electrons unequally, creating dipoles.
4. Water’s high specific heat is primarily a result of which property?
A. Its ability to ionize into H+ and OH-
B. The formation and breaking of hydrogen bonds
, C. Its low molecular weight
D. Its ability to act as a universal solvent
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hydrogen bonds absorb significant energy before they break
and the molecules begin moving faster, leading to high specific heat.
5. Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for long-term energy storage and forming
the core of cell membranes?
A. Proteins
B. Carbohydrates
C. Lipids
D. Nucleic Acids
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lipids, specifically fats and phospholipids, provide long-term
energy storage and structural integrity for membranes.
6. What is the primary function of the nucleolus within a eukaryotic cell?
A. Ribosome subunit assembly
B. Synthesis of lipids and steroids
C. DNA replication and transcription
