Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Science

Basic Biology Questions for Beginners: Quiz

Quick, free biology basics quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Shubham KumarUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style cells dna helix genetics leaf ecosystem icons on sky blue background for easy biology quiz

This quiz helps you check your grasp of biology basics with quick questions on cells, genetics, and ecosystems. See what you know, spot gaps, and learn a few facts as you go. For more practice, try our easy biology questions, challenge yourself with a high school biology quiz, or have fun with some biology trivia.

Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
Ribosome
Nucleus
Golgi apparatus
Mitochondrion
Mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration, supplying energy for many cellular processes. They contain their own DNA and a double membrane structure. This energy production role is why they are termed the powerhouse of the cell. .
What molecule carries genetic information in most living organisms?
RNA
Lipid
DNA
Protein
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) stores hereditary information in nearly all organisms. Its double-helix structure allows for accurate replication during cell division. DNA sequences encode the instructions for making RNA and proteins. .
In an ecosystem, which organisms are primarily responsible for converting sunlight into chemical energy?
Carnivores
Decomposers
Herbivores
Producers
Producers, such as plants and algae, perform photosynthesis to convert sunlight into sugars and other organic molecules. They form the base of the food web by supplying energy to consumers. Without producers, ecosystems could not sustain higher trophic levels. .
Which structure in plant cells is responsible for photosynthesis?
Vacuole
Mitochondrion
Endoplasmic reticulum
Chloroplast
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the pigment that captures light energy for photosynthesis. They convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Chloroplasts have a double membrane and their own DNA. .
During which phase of mitosis do sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles?
Anaphase
Telophase
Metaphase
Prophase
In anaphase, the centromeres divide and sister chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers to opposite cell poles. This ensures each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. Proper anaphase progression is critical for genetic stability. .
What is the functional role of ribosomes in a cell?
Energy production
Protein synthesis
DNA replication
Lipid synthesis
Ribosomes are complexes of rRNA and protein that translate messenger RNA into polypeptide chains. They can be free in the cytoplasm or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum. This role is vital for producing all cellular proteins. .
Which genetic cross produces a phenotypic ratio of 3:1 in the F2 generation when both parents are heterozygous?
Dihybrid cross
Monohybrid cross
Test cross
Back cross
A monohybrid cross involves two heterozygous individuals (Aa × Aa) for one gene, yielding genotypes AA, Aa, Aa, and aa in a 1:2:1 ratio. The corresponding phenotypic ratio for dominant to recessive traits is 3:1. This classic Mendelian ratio illustrates simple dominance. .
Which process describes the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane?
Active transport
Osmosis
Diffusion
Endocytosis
Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules from a region of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration through a selectively permeable membrane. It is essential for maintaining cellular turgor pressure. Cells rely on osmosis to manage hydration and ion balance. .
What is the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium equation used to calculate in a population?
Allele and genotype frequencies
Mutation rate
Population density
Phenotypic plasticity
The Hardy-Weinberg principle describes a non-evolving population in which allele and genotype frequencies remain constant. The equation p² + 2pq + q² = 1 calculates genotype frequencies from allele frequencies p and q. Deviations indicate evolutionary forces at work. .
Which cell membrane transport mechanism requires energy and moves molecules against their concentration gradient?
Facilitated diffusion
Active transport
Osmosis
Simple diffusion
Active transport uses ATP or another energy source to move substances from lower to higher concentration. Examples include the sodium-potassium pump in animal cells. This mechanism is vital for nutrient uptake and ion balance. .
What is an example of a chromosomal mutation that involves a segment reversal within the same chromosome?
Deletion
Duplication
Translocation
Inversion
An inversion occurs when a chromosome segment breaks off, flips, and reinserts in reverse orientation. Inversions can disrupt gene function if breakpoints occur within genes. They contribute to genetic diversity and may have evolutionary implications. .
In the lac operon of E. coli, what role does allolactose play?
Substrate for beta-galactosidase
Enzyme that synthesizes lactose
Corepressor that binds to the operator
Inducer that inactivates the repressor
Allolactose binds the lac repressor, causing a conformational change that prevents it from binding to the operator. This induces transcription of the lac operon genes needed for lactose metabolism. The system is a classic example of gene regulation in prokaryotes. .
Which mechanism allows a single eukaryotic gene to produce multiple mRNA variants and thus different proteins?
Alternative splicing
RNA editing
Polyadenylation
Trans-splicing
Alternative splicing permits different exon combinations to be joined from a single pre-mRNA transcript, creating multiple mRNA isoforms. This increases proteome complexity without increasing gene number. It is regulated by spliceosomal proteins and sequence elements. .
0
{"name":"Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?, What molecule carries genetic information in most living organisms?, In an ecosystem, which organisms are primarily responsible for converting sunlight into chemical energy?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Cell Structures -

    Recognize and describe the functions of major organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and cell membrane.

  2. Explain Genetic Basics -

    Understand core concepts of DNA, genes, and inheritance patterns in simple biological systems.

  3. Differentiate Ecosystem Roles -

    Analyze the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers and how they contribute to energy flow.

  4. Recall Biology Vocabulary -

    Reinforce essential terms and definitions through engaging biology trivia questions.

  5. Apply Biology Knowledge -

    Use learned concepts to answer real-world scenarios and basic biology quiz questions with confidence.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Cell Theory and Types -

    The cell theory, as outlined by the NIH, states that all living things are composed of cells, that cells are the fundamental unit of life, and that new cells arise from existing ones. Prokaryotes (e.g., bacteria) lack a nucleus, whereas eukaryotes (e.g., plant and animal cells) "You Carry a Nucleus." Reviewing clear diagrams of both types will help you breeze through easy biology questions on cell structure.

  2. Major Biomolecules and Mnemonics -

    The four essential biomolecules - carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids - each consist of unique monomers and serve critical functions, from energy storage to genetic information. Use the mnemonic "CHoN P" (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus) to recall that proteins contain nitrogen and nucleic acids contain phosphorus. Familiarity with monomer structures (e.g., glucose rings, amino acid chains) will make basic biology quiz questions feel effortless.

  3. Genetics and the Central Dogma -

    The central dogma described by NCBI explains how DNA is transcribed into RNA and then translated into proteins. Remember base pairing rules - A pairs with T (or U in RNA) and G pairs with C - using "Apples in the Tree, Cars in the Garage." Mastering this information flow and practicing a few simple transcription/translation examples will boost your confidence on biology trivia questions.

  4. Photosynthesis vs. Cellular Respiration -

    Photosynthesis in plants converts CO2 and H2O into glucose and O2 (6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2), while cellular respiration reverses this process to release energy (C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O). A quick tip to remember is "Photo makes sugar, respiration burns sugar." Knowing where each step occurs (chloroplasts vs. mitochondria) will simplify easy biology questions on metabolic pathways.

  5. Ecological Energy Flow -

    In ecosystems, energy flows from producers to consumers through trophic levels, with roughly 10% transfer efficiency at each step - a principle highlighted by National Geographic. Visualizing this "energy pyramid" helps you recall why top predators need abundant producers at the base. Grasping these concepts will help you ace a basic biology quiz focused on food chains and energy budgets.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Biology Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker