Question 1

Which property of water allows it to help maintain body temperature during sudden environmental changes, and what is the underlying molecular mechanism?

Accepted Answer

High heat capacity; water absorbs and releases large amounts of heat before its temperature changes due to hydrogen bonding.

Question 2

A patient is suffering from muscle cramps due to an electrolyte imbalance. Which inorganic compound is most likely involved, and what is its primary function in this context?

Accepted Answer

KCl; regulates nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.

Question 3

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, while inorganic compounds do not necessarily contain carbon and include water, salts, acids, and bases.

Question 4

During dehydration synthesis, which molecule is removed to form a new bond between two monomers?

Accepted Answer

Water ($$H_2O)$$

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of biological buffers in the body?

Accepted Answer

Buffers maintain pH homeostasis by binding or releasing $$H^+$$ ions.

Question 6

A protein loses its specific 3-D shape after exposure to high heat. What is the term for this process, and what is the consequence for the protein's function?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation; the protein becomes non-functional due to loss of shape.

Question 7

Which class of proteins is most likely to be found in connective tissues providing structural support, and what is a key example?

Accepted Answer

Fibrous proteins; collagen

Question 8

Which property of water is most directly responsible for its ability to dissolve salts, acids, and bases in the body?

Accepted Answer

Polar solvent

Question 9

A scientist is studying a molecule that is insoluble in water but dissolves in alcohol and ether. Which class of biological molecules does this most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Lipids

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why enzymes are considered biological catalysts?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes increase the speed of chemical reactions without being used up.

Question 11

Which molecule contains the instructions for building every protein in the body and is primarily located in the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

DNA

Question 12

A solution has a high concentration of $$OH^-$$ ions. How would you classify this solution?

Accepted Answer

Basic

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a property of water that makes it vital for life?

Accepted Answer

Ability to form covalent bonds with proteins

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

ATP provides energy for transport, mechanical, and chemical work.

Question 15

Which of the following reactions involves water being used to split a substance into smaller molecules?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about globular proteins?

Accepted Answer

They are compact, spherical, water-soluble, and chemically active.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a buffer system in the body?

Accepted Answer

Weak acids and weak bases regulating pH by binding or releasing $$H^+$$ ions.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the solubility of carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

The larger the carbohydrate molecule, the less soluble it is in water.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of salts in the body?

Accepted Answer

They dissociate into ions that conduct electrical currents and are essential for nerve impulse and muscle contraction.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of hydration layers formed by water molecules?

Accepted Answer

They shield charged molecules, aiding in transport and solubility.

Biochemistry Foundations for Anatomy & Physiology

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