Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between an atom and an element?

Accepted Answer

An element is made up of atoms with the same number of protons, while an atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the four major elements found in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Calcium

Question 3

A radioactive isotope is used in the treatment of thyroid disorders. Which property of radioisotopes makes them useful for this application?

Accepted Answer

They release high energy or radiation during radioactive decay, which can damage targeted cells.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Water is a polar molecule, allowing it to surround and dissolve ionic and polar covalent solutes.

Question 5

A solution has a pH of 5. Which of the following statements is true about this solution?

Accepted Answer

It is acidic and has more H$$^+$$ ions than OH$$^-$$ ions.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of enzymes in biological reactions?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy, increasing the reaction rate without being permanently altered.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct example of an exchange reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{HCl} + \mathrm{NaOH} \rightarrow \mathrm{H_2O} + \mathrm{NaCl}$$

Question 8

Which of the following statements about saturated and unsaturated fatty acids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds and are solid at room temperature.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

They lack full or partial charges, so water cannot interact with them.

Question 10

A patient is diagnosed with phenylketonuria, a disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. What is the most direct consequence of this deficiency?

Accepted Answer

The patient cannot convert phenylalanine into tyrosine, leading to toxic buildup.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between a molecule and a compound?

Accepted Answer

A molecule is formed by chemical bonding between two or more atoms of the same element, while a compound is formed by two or more atoms from different elements.

Question 12

Which of the following is a property of water that helps maintain body temperature homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

High heat capacity

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

A buffer resists changes in pH when acids or bases are added.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in human cells?

Accepted Answer

ATP is synthesized from ADP and phosphate using energy from fuel oxidation.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why a salt is considered an electrolyte?

Accepted Answer

Salts dissolve in water to form cations and anions that conduct electrical current.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{AB} \rightarrow \mathrm{A} + \mathrm{B}$$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of hydrogen bonds in water?

Accepted Answer

They are weak attractions responsible for surface tension in water.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about DNA and RNA is correct?

Accepted Answer

DNA is double-stranded and contains deoxyribose, while RNA is single-stranded and contains ribose.

Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life – Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards