Question 1

Which of the following best describes an element as it relates to human physiology?

Accepted Answer

A unique building block that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical methods.

Question 2

Which of the following is a correct example of a compound found in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$)

Question 3

A solution is defined as a homogeneous mixture. Which of the following is an example of a solution in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Blood plasma with dissolved glucose

Question 4

Which statement correctly differentiates between mixtures and compounds?

Accepted Answer

Mixtures can be separated by physical means, while compounds require chemical means for separation.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of an inorganic compound essential for muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Sodium chloride ($NaCl$)

Question 6

When sodium hydroxide ($NaOH$) dissolves in water, which ions are released?

Accepted Answer

$Na^+$ and $OH^-$

Question 7

A patient presents with an arterial pH of 7.0. What does this indicate about their acid-base status?

Accepted Answer

The patient is experiencing acidosis, which predicts a poor outcome.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of buffers in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Buffers prevent abrupt and large swings in the pH of body fluids.

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of carbohydrates in the human body?

Accepted Answer

They provide a ready, easily used source of cellular fuel.

Question 10

Which of the following is a monosaccharide found in human blood?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 11

Which lipid is essential for the synthesis of steroid hormones and is found in all cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of prostaglandins in the human body?

Accepted Answer

They play roles in blood clotting, inflammation, and labor contractions.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about DNA is correct?

Accepted Answer

DNA is found in the nucleus and provides instructions for building every protein in the body.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why enzymes are essential for physiological reactions?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes govern all chemical reactions and are directed by DNA.

Question 15

A solution has a pH of 5. Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

The solution is acidic.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct chemical equation for the dissociation of hydrochloric acid in water?

Accepted Answer

$HCl \rightarrow H^+ + Cl^-$

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between organic and inorganic compounds in the body?

Accepted Answer

Organic compounds contain carbon and are covalently bonded; inorganic compounds generally lack carbon.

Question 18

Which of the following ions is essential for the transport of oxygen in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Iron ($Fe^{2+}$)

Question 19

A buffer system in the blood involves bicarbonate ions. Which equation represents the reaction when excess hydrogen ions are present?

Accepted Answer

$HCO_3^- + H^+ \rightarrow H_2CO_3$

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of phospholipids in cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

They form a bilayer with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.

Basic Principles of Chemistry for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions