Q: A patient is suffering from acidosis (blood pH < 7.35). Which buffer system in the blood helps to restore normal pH, and what is the chemical equation for this buffer system?

The carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system; $H_2CO_3 \rightleftharpoons H^+ + HCO_3^-$

Q: Which of the following best describes the difference between a solution, a colloid, and a suspension?

A solution contains dissolved particles smaller than 1 nm, a colloid contains particles between 1 nm and 1 μm that scatter light, and a suspension contains particles larger than 1 μm that settle out.

Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why water is considered the 'universal solvent' in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Water's polarity allows it to form hydration shells around ions and polar molecules, enabling them to dissolve.

Question 2

A patient is given a medication that acts as a strong base. What effect will this have on the patient's blood pH, and what physiological mechanism will help counteract this change?

Accepted Answer

The blood pH will increase, and the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system will release more H^+ to neutralize the base.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the difference between a polar covalent bond and a nonpolar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

A polar covalent bond involves unequal sharing of electrons due to differences in electronegativity, while a nonpolar covalent bond involves equal sharing.

Question 4

Given the atomic number and atomic mass of sodium (Na) are 11 and 23, respectively, calculate the number of neutrons in a sodium atom.

Accepted Answer

$23 - 11 = 12$

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct example of a biological macromolecule and its monomer?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acid – Nucleotide

Question 6

A solution has a pH of 5. How does its hydrogen ion concentration compare to a solution with a pH of 7?

Accepted Answer

It is 100 times greater.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why fats and cholesterol require carrier proteins to be transported in the blood?

Accepted Answer

They are nonpolar and hydrophobic, so they do not dissolve in the aqueous environment of blood.

Question 8

Which of the following is true regarding the structure of a phospholipid?

Accepted Answer

It contains a polar head group and two nonpolar fatty acid tails.

Question 9

A protein is exposed to a high fever, causing it to lose its three-dimensional structure. What is this process called, and what is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation; the protein will lose its function.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of ATP in cellular metabolism?

Accepted Answer

ATP provides energy for cellular processes by releasing energy when its phosphate bonds are broken.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why water has a high specific heat?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds between water molecules require a large amount of energy to break.

Question 12

A patient is suffering from acidosis (blood pH < 7.35). Which buffer system in the blood helps to restore normal pH, and what is the chemical equation for this buffer system?

Accepted Answer

The carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system; $H_2CO_3 \rightleftharpoons H^+ + HCO_3^-$

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a suspension in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Blood cells within plasma

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between a solution, a colloid, and a suspension?

Accepted Answer

A solution contains dissolved particles smaller than 1 nm, a colloid contains particles between 1 nm and 1 μm that scatter light, and a suspension contains particles larger than 1 μm that settle out.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why noble gases are chemically inert?

Accepted Answer

They have a complete outer electron shell, satisfying the octet rule.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct example of an isomer found in carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

Glucose and galactose

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of dehydration synthesis?

Accepted Answer

A water molecule is removed to form a covalent bond between two monomers.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains the amphipathic nature of phospholipids and its importance in biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have both hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, enabling them to form bilayers that make up cell membranes.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the relationship between electronegativity and the formation of polar covalent bonds?

Accepted Answer

Polar covalent bonds form when there is a significant difference in electronegativity between two atoms.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct example of a physiological function of ions in the human body?

Accepted Answer

K^+ is important for nerve impulse transmission and is replaced in sports drinks.

Atoms, Ions, and Molecules: Foundations for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards