Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a solution, a colloid, and a suspension in the human body?

Accepted Answer

A solution contains tiny solute particles that do not settle out or scatter light, a colloid contains larger particles that scatter light but do not settle out, and a suspension contains very large particles that settle out and may scatter light.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about energy is correct?

Accepted Answer

Kinetic energy is energy in action, and potential energy is stored energy that can be converted to kinetic energy.

Question 3

A patient is given an intravenous solution containing 5% glucose. What type of mixture is this, and why?

Accepted Answer

It is a solution because glucose is evenly distributed and does not settle out.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why water is an effective solvent in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Water is a polar molecule, allowing it to form hydration layers around charged and polar substances.

Question 5

Which of the following is true regarding the atomic structure of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) in the formation of table salt (NaCl)?

Accepted Answer

Sodium loses an electron to become a cation, and chlorine gains an electron to become an anion.

Question 6

A molecule of water (H$$_2O) is $$described as a polar molecule. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The oxygen atom has a partial negative charge, and the hydrogen atoms have partial positive charges due to unequal sharing of electrons.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of enzymes in chemical reactions in the body?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy, allowing reactions to proceed quickly at body temperature.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct example of a synthesis (anabolic) reaction?

Accepted Answer

A + B → AB

Question 9

A patient with a blood pH of 7.2 is experiencing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Acidosis, because the pH is below 7.35

Question 10

Which of the following statements about ATP is correct?

Accepted Answer

ATP is a nucleotide with three phosphate groups, and energy is released when the terminal phosphate is removed.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why saturated fats are solid at room temperature while unsaturated fats are liquid?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fats have only single bonds, creating straight chains that pack tightly, while unsaturated fats have double bonds that create kinks and prevent tight packing.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

They are the main component of cell membranes due to their hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the primary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Question 14

A patient is exposed to a radioactive isotope for diagnostic imaging. Which property of radioisotopes makes this possible?

Accepted Answer

Radioisotopes emit energy as they decay, which can be detected by scanners.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of buffers in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Buffers resist abrupt changes in pH by releasing or binding hydrogen ions.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct example of a decomposition (catabolic) reaction?

Accepted Answer

AB → A + B

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why enzymes are specific for their substrates?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes have active sites with unique shapes that only fit specific substrates.

Question 18

Which of the following is a property of water that is critical for maintaining body temperature homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

High heat capacity, allowing it to absorb and release heat with little temperature change.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

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

Chapter 2: Chemistry Comes Alive – Structured Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards