Question 1

Which of the following best explains why water is essential for most chemical reactions in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Water is a polar solvent that dissolves hydrophilic molecules, allowing them to interact and react.

Question 2

A patient is given an intravenous solution that is hypertonic relative to their blood plasma. What is the most likely effect on their red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

The red blood cells will shrink as water leaves the cells to balance solute concentration.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the difference between organic and inorganic compounds in the context of human biology?

Accepted Answer

Organic compounds are primarily made of carbon and hydrogen, while inorganic compounds generally lack carbon-hydrogen bonds.

Question 4

Which of the following ions is most directly involved in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Sodium (Na^+)

Question 5

A molecule of glucose (C_6H_{12}$$O_6) is $$classified as which type of biomolecule, and what is its primary function in the body?

Accepted Answer

A carbohydrate; short-term energy source.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why hydrophobic molecules do not dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrophobic molecules lack charge and cannot form hydrogen bonds with water.

Question 7

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events for the formation of a positively charged ion (cation)?

Accepted Answer

An atom loses an electron, resulting in a positive charge.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the structure of the cell (plasma) membrane?

Accepted Answer

A fluid-mosaic pattern composed mainly of phospholipids and proteins.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is selectively permeable?

Accepted Answer

It allows hydrophobic molecules to pass easily, but restricts hydrophilic molecules.

Question 10

A solution contains 0.9% NaCl, which is the same concentration as human blood plasma. What term best describes this solution, and what effect would it have on red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Isotonic; red blood cells would remain unchanged.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They generate ATP through cellular respiration.

Question 12

Which of the following is the basic subunit of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Amino acids

Question 13

Which of the following best explains the function of enzymes in the human body?

Accepted Answer

They catalyze and speed up chemical reactions.

Question 14

A patient with chronic alcohol abuse is found to have an increased amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in their liver cells. What is the most likely reason for this adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Smooth ER detoxifies chemicals, so its increase helps break down alcohol more efficiently.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes passive transport across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration without energy input.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of nucleic acids in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Storing and transmitting genetic information

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why salts (electrolytes) are important for physiological functions?

Accepted Answer

They create ions in water, which are essential for nerve impulses and muscle contraction.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Division of a cell into two identical daughter cells, important for growth and repair.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the relationship between structure and function in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

The structure of a molecule determines its function in the body.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the composition of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It is composed mainly of phospholipids, with embedded proteins and cholesterol.

Important Building Blocks for Life: Chemical Foundations in Anatomy & Physiology

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