Question 1

Which of the following best explains why bones are strong from a chemical perspective?

Accepted Answer

They are composed of minerals and the protein collagen, both of which are chemicals that provide structural integrity.

Question 2

Which statement about atoms is correct?

Accepted Answer

Atoms are electrically neutral because the number of protons equals the number of electrons.

Question 3

Which of the following elements makes up the largest percentage of the human body’s mass?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen (O)

Question 4

A radioactive isotope is used in nuclear medicine to treat thyroid disorders. Which isotope is commonly used for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

Iodine-131

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a solution?

Accepted Answer

A liquid (usually water) mixed with a solid, liquid, or gas where one substance dissolves in another, appearing translucent.

Question 6

Which of the following compounds is most likely to be nonpolar?

Accepted Answer

A molecule containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

They lower the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed.

Question 8

A patient with phenylketonuria (PKU) is unable to convert phenylalanine into which amino acid, leading to potential neurological damage?

Accepted Answer

Tyrosine

Question 9

Which of the following statements about water is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Water is nonpolar and cannot dissolve ionic compounds.

Question 10

Which equation correctly represents the dissociation of water into ions?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{H_2O \rightleftharpoons H^+ + OH^-}$$

Question 11

A solution with a pH of 4 has how many times more hydrogen ions than a solution with a pH of 7?

Accepted Answer

1,000 times more

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

A chemical system that resists changes in pH and prevents large swings when acid or base is added.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Linking two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide and releasing a molecule of water.

Question 14

Which of the following is a property of phospholipids that is critical for cell membrane structure?

Accepted Answer

They are amphiphilic, having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

The sequence of amino acids held together by peptide bonds.

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE about DNA structure?

Accepted Answer

It is a double helix held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why humans cannot tolerate large swings in temperature or pH?

Accepted Answer

Proteins denature and lose their function when exposed to extreme temperature or pH changes.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about ATP?

Accepted Answer

ATP hydrolysis releases energy that is harnessed by the cell to do work.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes an exergonic reaction?

Accepted Answer

A reaction that releases excess energy stored in the reactants.

Ch2 The Chemistry of Life: Foundations for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions