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 of only one kind of atom, while a compound consists of molecules containing more than one kind of atom.

Question 2

A sodium atom (Na) loses one electron to become a sodium ion (Na⁺). What type of bond will it most likely form with a chlorine ion (Cl⁻)?

Accepted Answer

Ionic bond

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

It stabilizes the phospholipid tails in cellular membranes.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Water can dissolve both ionic and polar covalent compounds due to its polarity.

Question 5

A solution has a pH of 5. Which of the following statements is correct?

Accepted Answer

The solution is acidic and has a high concentration of H⁺ ions.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate – Monosaccharide

Question 7

What is the primary function of enzymes in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

They act as chemical catalysts to speed up reactions.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

DNA contains deoxyribose sugar and forms a double helix, while RNA contains ribose sugar and is usually single-stranded.

Question 9

Which of the following reactions is responsible for breaking down polymers into monomers in the body?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 10

A patient’s blood pH is measured at 7.2. Which of the following best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

The blood is slightly acidic.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids are critical for cell membrane structure?

Accepted Answer

Their hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails allow them to form bilayers in water.

Question 12

Which of the following ions is most directly involved in regulating the pH of body fluids?

Accepted Answer

HCO₃⁻

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Enzymes bind specific substrates, facilitating chemical reactions without being consumed.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds weakly bond neighboring molecules, such as in water and DNA.

Question 15

A molecule of ATP is used to power muscle contraction. Which process best describes how ATP provides energy?

Accepted Answer

ATP is converted to ADP and a phosphate group, releasing energy.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

A buffer system absorbs excess acids or bases to maintain a relatively stable pH.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-life example of an ionic compound acting as an electrolyte in the body?

Accepted Answer

Sodium chloride (NaCl) dissociating in water to form Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why organic molecules are generally larger and more complex than inorganic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Organic molecules contain carbon-carbon and/or carbon-hydrogen covalent bonds, allowing for complex structures.

Question 19

Which of the following is a polysaccharide stored by the body for energy?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 20

A patient is given a medication that acts as a strong base. What effect would this have on the patient’s blood pH?

Accepted Answer

It would increase the blood pH, making it more alkaline.

Chemistry of Life: Foundations for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions