Question 1

Which of the following best explains why carbon atoms are found at the center of so many important biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds, allowing it to create complex and stable molecular structures.

Question 2

Which chemical reaction is responsible for joining two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide, and what is released during this process?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis; a water molecule ($$H_2O) is $$released.

Question 3

Which of the following is a polymer made up of many monosaccharide subunits?

Accepted Answer

Polysaccharide

Question 4

What is the main difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no carbon-carbon double bonds ($$C=C$$), while unsaturated fatty acids have at least one.

Question 5

Which process breaks down polymers into monomers by adding water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 6

A triglyceride is composed of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

One glycerol backbone and three fatty acids

Question 7

Why do lipids generally not dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are non-polar molecules, making them hydrophobic.

Question 8

Which of the following elements make up 96% of the human body?

Accepted Answer

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen ($$C$$, $$H$$, $$O$$, $$N)$$

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the orientation of phospholipids in a cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of lipids in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing chemical reactions

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct example of a dehydration synthesis reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$C_6H_{12}O_6$ + C_6H_{12}O_6$ \rightarrow C$$_{12}$$H_{22}O$$_{11} + H_2O$

Question 12

Which of the following statements about cellulose is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose is a polysaccharide found in plants that humans cannot digest.

Question 13

Which of the following molecules is a steroid derived from cholesterol and is important for cell membrane structure?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct description of a monomer?

Accepted Answer

A single subunit that can be joined with others to form a polymer.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the process of hydrolysis?

Accepted Answer

A water molecule is added to break a covalent bond between monomers.

Question 16

Which of the following is a common misconception about saturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

They contain carbon-carbon double bonds.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Providing energy for cellular processes

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of phospholipids?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol helps maintain membrane fluidity and stability.

Biomolecules in Human Physiology: Carbohydrates and Lipids

Study Guide - Practice Questions