Question 1

Which subatomic particle determines the chemical properties and identity of an element, and how does its number relate to the atomic number?

Accepted Answer

Proton; its number equals the atomic number.

Question 2

A radioactive isotope of carbon, $$^{14}C$$, has 6 protons and 8 neutrons. What is its atomic mass, and why is it considered a radioisotope?

Accepted Answer

Atomic mass is 14; it is a radioisotope because it has an unstable nucleus that emits radiation.

Question 3

Which type of chemical bond involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, and what distinguishes polar from nonpolar covalent bonds?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond; polar bonds share electrons unequally, nonpolar bonds share equally.

Question 4

Water is described as a 'universal solvent.' Which property of water allows it to dissolve many substances, and what type of molecules does it interact with most effectively?

Accepted Answer

Its polar nature; interacts best with hydrophilic molecules.

Question 5

A patient has a blood pH of 7.1. Which statement best describes this condition and the role of buffers in the body?

Accepted Answer

The blood is acidic; buffers help stabilize pH by neutralizing excess H$$^+$$ ions.

Question 6

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration $$[H^+]$$?

Accepted Answer

$$pH = -\log_{10}[H^+]$$

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Organic compounds contain carbon and hydrogen; inorganic compounds do not necessarily contain both.

Question 8

Which process is responsible for joining two amino acids together to form a peptide bond, and what is released during this reaction?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis; water is released.

Question 9

A person consumes a meal rich in carbohydrates. Which type of carbohydrate is most rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, and what is its basic structure?

Accepted Answer

Monosaccharide; single sugar molecule such as glucose.

Question 10

Which lipid type is essential for hormone production and is characterized by a four-ring carbon structure?

Accepted Answer

Steroid

Question 11

A cell membrane is primarily composed of which type of lipid, and what is the significance of its amphipathic nature?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids; they have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, allowing membrane formation.

Question 12

Which level of protein structure is defined by the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain?

Accepted Answer

Primary structure

Question 13

Enzymes are crucial in metabolism because they lower the activation energy of reactions. What is the effect of this on reaction rates?

Accepted Answer

Reaction rates increase because reactions occur more easily.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct complementary base pairing in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T)

Question 15

ATP is considered a high-energy compound. Which reaction releases energy for cellular work?

Accepted Answer

$$ATP \rightarrow ADP + P_i$$

Question 16

A solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of $$1 	imes 10$$^{-4}$$ mol/L. What is its pH?

Accepted Answer

pH = 4

Question 17

Which functional group is present in all amino acids and is responsible for their acidic properties?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-COOH)$$

Question 18

Which type of chemical reaction is represented by the equation $$AB \rightarrow A + B$$, and what is its physiological significance?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition; it breaks down molecules for energy or recycling.

Question 19

Which property of water allows it to maintain body temperature and protect organs from rapid temperature changes?

Accepted Answer

High heat capacity

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

They act as local hormones and are involved in immune responses.

Chapter 2: Chemical Basis of Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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