Science: Biology and Life Science Flashcards
14 cards from real TEAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 14 Science: Biology and Life Science flashcards as text
The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that allele frequencies in a population will remain constant if:
Answer: There is no mutation, migration, selection, genetic drift, or non-random mating
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium requires five conditions: no mutation, no gene flow (migration), random mating, large population, and no natural selection.
Which molecule carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation?
Answer: tRNA
Transfer RNA (tRNA) has an anticodon that matches mRNA codons and carries the corresponding amino acid to the ribosome for incorporation into the growing protein.
Which term describes the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from high to low water concentration?
Answer: Osmosis
Osmosis is the passive movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of high water concentration (low solute) to low water concentration (high solute).
What is the product of glycolysis?
Answer: Two pyruvate molecules (plus net 2 ATP and 2 NADH)
Glycolysis converts one glucose (6-carbon) into two pyruvate (3-carbon) molecules, with a net yield of 2 ATP and 2 NADH.
Which level of protein structure describes the coiling or folding of a polypeptide chain into alpha helices and beta pleated sheets?
Answer: Secondary structure
Secondary structure refers to local folding of the polypeptide backbone into alpha helices and beta-pleated sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds between backbone atoms.
Which of the following correctly describes the central dogma of molecular biology?
Answer: DNA → RNA → Protein
The central dogma describes the flow of genetic information: DNA is transcribed to RNA, which is translated to protein.
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
Answer: Breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients
Decomposers (fungi and bacteria) break down dead organisms and waste, releasing nutrients back into the environment for uptake by producers.
A mutation that changes a single nucleotide base and results in a different amino acid being inserted is called a:
Answer: Missense mutation
A missense mutation is a single nucleotide substitution that changes one amino acid in the resulting protein to a different amino acid.
Which type of organism can perform photosynthesis?
Answer: Autotrophs
Autotrophs (producers) can perform photosynthesis, using light energy to synthesize organic compounds from CO2 and water.
Which of the following best defines 'homeostasis'?
Answer: The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes
Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment (body temperature, pH, blood glucose, etc.) through negative feedback mechanisms.
Which kingdom includes organisms that are multicellular, obtain nutrients through absorption, and have cell walls made of chitin?
Answer: Fungi
The kingdom Fungi includes multicellular organisms (most) with chitin cell walls that absorb nutrients from their environment through decomposition or symbiosis.
What is the primary role of the spleen in the body?
Answer: Filtering blood and recycling old red blood cells
The spleen filters blood, removes old and damaged red blood cells, recycles hemoglobin, and houses immune cells that fight bloodborne pathogens.
Which of the following correctly describes the process of transpiration in plants?
Answer: Loss of water vapor through stomata in leaves
Transpiration is the evaporation of water vapor through stomata (pores) in leaves, creating a water potential gradient that drives water uptake from roots.
The process by which a cell engulfs and destroys large particles such as bacteria is called:
Answer: Phagocytosis
Phagocytosis ('cell eating') is the endocytosis of large solid particles — used by white blood cells (neutrophils, macrophages) to engulf and destroy pathogens.