Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a cation and an anion?

Accepted Answer

A cation is an atom with a positive charge due to losing electrons, while an anion is an atom with a negative charge due to gaining electrons.

Question 2

Which property of water allows it to act as a lubricant between two adjacent surfaces in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Water cushions and protects the body's structures

Question 3

A solution is made by dissolving 10 g of NaCl in 100 mL of water. In this scenario, which term best describes NaCl?

Accepted Answer

Solute

Question 4

Which of the following statements about isotopes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why water is considered a polar covalent molecule?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules have an unequal sharing of electrons, resulting in partial charges on the atoms.

Question 6

A patient’s blood pH is measured at 7.0. Based on the pH scale, how would you classify this patient’s blood?

Accepted Answer

Acidic

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct example of a reversible chemical reaction as described in chemical notation?

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{CO}_2 + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{CO}_3 $$

Question 8

Which of the following increases the rate of a chemical reaction in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Adding an enzyme to lower the activation energy $$ (E_a) $$

Question 9

Which type of chemical bond is responsible for the surface tension of water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bond

Question 10

Which of the following best describes a buffer in the context of body fluids?

Accepted Answer

A buffer is a substance that resists changes in pH when acids or bases are added.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a property of water that is vital to human existence?

Accepted Answer

Water has a low heat capacity.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.

Question 13

Which level of protein structure is characterized by alpha helices and beta-pleated sheets?

Accepted Answer

Secondary structure

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

RNA contains uracil instead of thymine, and pairs adenine with uracil ($$A = U).$$

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of an anabolic reaction?

Accepted Answer

The synthesis of proteins from amino acids

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy $$ (E_a) $$ without being consumed or altered.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct pairing of purine and pyrimidine bases in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Adenine pairs with thymine ($$A = T)$$

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why electrolytes are important in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Electrolytes are capable of conducting an electrical current, which is essential for nerve and muscle function.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the octet rule is correct?

Accepted Answer

The second electron shell can hold up to eight electrons.

Question 20

A patient is exposed to a radioactive isotope. Which property of the isotope is most relevant to its use in medical imaging?

Accepted Answer

Its emission of radiation that can be detected by imaging equipment

Fundamental Chemistry Concepts for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions