Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

An element is a pure substance made up of only one kind of atom, while a compound is a substance whose molecules have more than one kind of atom.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about covalent bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds form when atoms share their outer energy electrons to complete the energy level and become stable.

Question 3

A solution has a pH of 4. Which of the following best describes this solution?

Accepted Answer

It is acidic.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

It stabilizes the phospholipid tails in cellular membranes.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why water is considered a universal solvent in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Water dissolves many substances due to its polarity, forming aqueous solutions essential for life.

Question 6

A patient is given a solution with a high concentration of H	extsuperscript{+} ions. What effect will this have on the patient's blood pH?

Accepted Answer

The blood pH will decrease, making it more acidic.

Question 7

Which of the following organic molecules is correctly matched with its function?

Accepted Answer

Lipids: Form cell membranes and store energy

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Enzymes are chemical catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed.

Question 9

Which of the following is a characteristic of organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

They always contain carbon-carbon and/or carbon-hydrogen covalent bonds.

Question 10

A molecule of sodium chloride (NaCl) is placed in water and dissociates into Na	extsuperscript{+} and Cl	extsuperscript{–} ions. What type of compound is NaCl and what is the significance of this process?

Accepted Answer

NaCl is an ionic compound; dissociation forms electrolytes that conduct electricity in solution.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the structure of a phospholipid and its importance in cells?

Accepted Answer

A phospholipid has a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails, forming the bilayer of cell membranes.

Question 12

Which of the following is true about DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following best explains the lock-and-key model of enzyme action?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes and substrates fit together specifically, allowing the enzyme to catalyze a reaction.

Question 14

A buffer system in the blood helps maintain a stable pH. What is the primary function of a buffer?

Accepted Answer

To absorb excess acids or bases and maintain a relatively stable pH.

Question 15

Which of the following reactions is an example of dehydration synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Joining two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide and releasing water.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the atomic number of an element?

Accepted Answer

The number of protons in the nucleus.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about hydrogen bonds?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds weakly bond neighboring molecules and are important in water, DNA, and proteins.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of hydrolysis?

Accepted Answer

A chemical reaction in which water is added to break a large molecule into smaller subunits.

Question 19

Which of the following is a property of bases?

Accepted Answer

They shift the H	extsuperscript{+}/OH	extsuperscript{–} balance against H	extsuperscript{+}, also known as alkaline.

Chemistry of Life: Foundations for Anatomy & Physiology

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