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USMLE Step 1-style Biology Questions
Practise biology (science) for the USMLE Step 1-style basic science practice: 10 multiple-choice questions, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. Click an option to check it, or “New questions” for another set.
Biology practice
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Q1.Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C — Cerebellum
The cerebellum coordinates movement and balance.
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Q2.The powerhouse of the cell is the:
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Answer: D — Mitochondrion
Mitochondria produce ATP through cellular respiration.
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Q3.Which blood cells help in clotting?
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Answer: A — Platelets
Platelets (thrombocytes) form clots.
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Q4.Photosynthesis takes place in the:
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Answer: A — Chloroplasts
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll that captures light energy.
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Q5.The father of genetics is:
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Answer: B — Gregor Mendel
Mendel’s pea plant experiments established the laws of inheritance.
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Q6.In humans, the sex of a child is determined by the chromosome from the:
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Answer: D — Father
The father contributes either an X or a Y chromosome.
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Q7.Gas exchange in the lungs takes place in the:
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Answer: A — Alveoli
Thin-walled alveoli allow oxygen and CO₂ to diffuse.
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Q8.Normal human body temperature is approximately:
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Answer: B — 37 °C
About 37 °C (98.6 °F).
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Q9.The universal blood donor group is:
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Answer: A — O−
O negative red cells lack A, B and Rh antigens.
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Q10.Which vitamin deficiency causes scurvy?
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Answer: B — Vitamin C
Scurvy results from a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
How to approach biology questions
Learn structure → function links (mitochondria → ATP, nephron → filtration), the major hormones and their glands, and deficiency diseases. Diagrams help with cell organelles and organ systems.
About USMLE Step 1-style
USMLE Step 1-style basic science practice — conducted by Practice in the style of the USMLE (FSMB & NBME); not affiliated. Foundational biomedical science practice for medical students preparing for licensing exams.
Original practice questions written for this site in the style and difficulty of each exam’s syllabus. They are not past papers and the site is not affiliated with any exam body. Exam patterns, marking schemes and syllabi change — always check the latest official notification.
USMLE Step 1-style practice topics
| Topic | Section | Question source |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | Science | Question bank |
| Chemistry | Science | Calculated + question bank |