Question 1

Which of the following best describes an isotope?

Accepted Answer

Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons

Question 2

A neutral atom of sodium has an atomic number of 11 and a mass number of 23. How many neutrons does it have?

Accepted Answer

$$23 - 11 = 12$$ neutrons

Question 3

Which of the following mixtures is best described as a colloid?

Accepted Answer

Milk, because its proteins do not settle out and are not visible to the naked eye

Question 4

Which of the following statements about enzymes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why water is considered the universal solvent in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Water's partial charges allow it to dissolve ionic and polar substances

Question 6

A solution has a pH of 4. Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

The solution is acidic and has a higher concentration of $$H^+$$ ions than $$OH^-$$ ions

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

$$AB \rightarrow A + B$$

Question 8

Which of the following best describes a buffer system in the human body?

Accepted Answer

A buffer system prevents large swings in pH when acid or base is added to a solution

Question 9

Which of the following is a property of saturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

They have no double bonds between carbon atoms

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the process of dehydration synthesis?

Accepted Answer

It joins two monomers by removing a molecule of water

Question 11

A patient is given a radioisotope for imaging. What property of the isotope makes this possible?

Accepted Answer

It undergoes radioactive decay, emitting detectable energy

Question 12

Which of the following is true about the energy levels of electrons in an atom?

Accepted Answer

The valence shell has higher energy than other occupied shells

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between a solution and a suspension?

Accepted Answer

A solution has particles that do not settle out, while a suspension has particles that settle out when undisturbed

Question 14

Which of the following is a major element in the human body, accounting for the largest percentage of body mass?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Question 15

Which of the following best describes an exchange reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$AB + CD \rightarrow AD + BC$$

Question 16

Which of the following is a component of all amino acids?

Accepted Answer

A carboxylic acid group

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why nonpolar covalent compounds are hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

They lack partial charges, so water cannot interact with them

Question 18

Which of the following is true about the structure of DNA compared to RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains thymine, while RNA contains uracil

Question 19

A molecule of water can dissociate into which of the following ions?

Accepted Answer

$$H^+$$ and $$OH^-$$

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process of hydrolysis?

Accepted Answer

It breaks a polymer into monomers by adding a molecule of water

Chapter 2: Chemistry of Life – Foundations for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions