Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Organic compounds are primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen, while inorganic compounds generally lack carbon.

Question 2

Water is considered the most important inorganic molecule for life. Which property of water allows it to dissolve ionic compounds such as NaCl?

Accepted Answer

Its polarity, which enables it to surround and separate ions.

Question 3

When table salt (NaCl) is added to water, it dissociates into ions. What is the correct chemical equation for this dissociation?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{NaCl_{(s)} \rightarrow Na_{(aq)}^{+} + Cl_{(aq)}^{-}}$

Question 4

Which of the following is a common salt found in the human body that is critical for nerve impulse transmission?

Accepted Answer

Sodium chloride ($\mathrm{NaCl}$)

Question 5

The dissociation of water is a key concept in acid-base chemistry. What is the correct equation for the dissociation of water?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{H_2O \rightarrow H^+ + OH^-}$

Question 6

According to the Bronsted-Lowry definition, which of the following is true about acids and bases?

Accepted Answer

Acids are proton donors and bases are proton acceptors.

Question 7

A buffer system in the human body helps maintain pH homeostasis. Which organs are primarily responsible for regulating blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Lungs and kidneys

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why strong acids dissociate completely in water?

Accepted Answer

Their conjugate bases are very weak and do not re-associate with protons.

Question 9

Which process is illustrated by the removal of a water molecule to join two monosaccharides into a disaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis

Question 10

Which of the following is a storage polysaccharide found in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 11

Triglycerides are composed of which combination of molecules?

Accepted Answer

Three fatty acids and one glycerol

Question 12

Which structural feature distinguishes saturated fats from unsaturated fats?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds between carbon atoms.

Question 13

Phospholipids are critical for biological membranes because:

Accepted Answer

They have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, allowing formation of bilayers.

Question 14

Which type of bond links amino acids together in a protein?

Accepted Answer

Peptide bond

Question 15

Which level of protein structure is characterized by alpha helices and beta sheets?

Accepted Answer

Secondary structure

Question 16

Enzymes speed up chemical reactions by:

Accepted Answer

Decreasing the activation energy required for the reaction.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in the body?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 18

Which of the following correctly pairs the nucleic acid with its sugar component?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains deoxyribose; RNA contains ribose.

Question 19

Base pairing in DNA follows specific rules. Which of the following correctly represents a base pair in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Adenine pairs with thymine

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between DNA and RNA structure?

Accepted Answer

DNA is double-stranded and contains thymine; RNA is single-stranded and contains uracil.

Biochemistry Foundations for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions