Question 1

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids are essential for the structure of cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

They have both polar and nonpolar regions, forming a bilayer that regulates the movement of substances.

Question 2

A patient is unable to digest table sugar (sucrose). Which type of biomolecule and specific subcategory is this patient unable to break down?

Accepted Answer

Disaccharide; sucrose

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of ATP in the cell?

Accepted Answer

It transfers energy from metabolic pathways to cellular processes.

Question 4

A mutation causes a change in the amino acid sequence of a protein, resulting in loss of function. This is most likely due to:

Accepted Answer

A change in the primary structure, altering the protein's shape and function.

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct match between a biomolecule and its function?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen – energy storage in liver and muscle

Question 6

A scientist isolates a molecule with the formula $$C_{6}H$$_{12}$$O_{6}$. This molecule is most likely:

Accepted Answer

A monosaccharide

Question 7

Which organelle is responsible for synthesizing proteins, and what is the key structural feature that enables this function?

Accepted Answer

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum; presence of ribosomes

Question 8

A patient with Tay Sachs disease is missing a key enzyme in which organelle, leading to accumulation of undigested materials?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

DNA is double-stranded and stores genetic information; RNA is single-stranded and helps make proteins.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why humans cannot digest cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose is a polysaccharide with bonds that human enzymes cannot break.

Question 11

A cell is observed to have an abundance of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Lipid synthesis and detoxification

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the cytoskeleton in a cell?

Accepted Answer

It provides support, maintains shape, and assists in cellular movement.

Question 13

A researcher is studying a molecule that is nonpolar and easily crosses the cell membrane. This molecule is most likely:

Accepted Answer

A lipid

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a protein's function and an example?

Accepted Answer

Transport – hemoglobin

Question 15

Which of the following best explains the effect of denaturation on a protein?

Accepted Answer

It destroys the protein's shape, causing loss of function.

Question 16

A cell is unable to produce sufficient ATP. Which organelle is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the structure of a triglyceride?

Accepted Answer

Three fatty acids bonded to a glycerol molecule

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Acting as a selectively permeable barrier

Question 19

A cell is observed to have a high number of peroxisomes. Which function is this cell most likely performing at a high rate?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification and metabolism of fatty acids

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the structure and function of nucleotides in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Their sugar-phosphate backbone allows them to store energy in their bonds, as in ATP.

Biomolecules and Cell Structure: Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions