Question 1

Which property of water allows it to help maintain a stable internal body temperature despite external temperature changes?

Accepted Answer

High heat capacity

Question 2

A solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of $$[H^+] = 1 	imes 10$$^{-5}$$ \ \mathrm{M}. $$What is its pH?

Accepted Answer

$$5$$

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

They resist abrupt and large swings in pH by binding or releasing hydrogen ions.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Glucose + Fructose $$\rightarrow$$ Sucrose + $$H_2O$$

Question 5

Which of the following statements about phospholipids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Their polar heads are hydrophilic and their tails are hydrophobic.

Question 6

A patient presents with an arterial pH of 6.8. Based on your knowledge of enzyme function and homeostasis, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Enzyme activity will be severely impaired, and survival is unlikely.

Question 7

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, allowing them to pack tightly together.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in the body?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Adenine pairs with thymine

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of ATP in cells?

Accepted Answer

It provides immediate, usable energy for cellular work.

Question 12

A solution with a pH of 8.5 is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Weakly basic (alkaline)

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct description of a hydrolysis reaction?

Accepted Answer

Polymers are broken down by addition of water.

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of prostaglandins (a type of eicosanoid)?

Accepted Answer

Regulating inflammation and blood clotting

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

The active site of an enzyme has a unique shape that fits only specific substrates.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in enzyme action?

Accepted Answer

Substrate binds to enzyme, enzyme-substrate complex forms, product is released

Question 17

Which of the following is a major difference between DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains deoxyribose, while RNA contains ribose.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct description of glycogen?

Accepted Answer

It is a polysaccharide used by animals for carbohydrate storage.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of a strong acid on a buffer system?

Accepted Answer

The buffer will bind excess $$H^+$$ ions to minimize pH change.

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of cholesterol in the body?

Accepted Answer

It is the starting material for synthesis of vitamin D and steroid hormones.

Chemistry Comes Alive: Biochemistry and Molecular Foundations for Human Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions