Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between organic and inorganic chemistry?

Accepted Answer

Organic chemistry studies compounds based on the element carbon, while inorganic chemistry studies compounds not based on carbon.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Question 3

An atom of boron has 5 protons, 5 neutrons, and 5 electrons. What is its atomic number and why?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number is 5 because it has 5 protons.

Question 4

Which subatomic particle determines the chemical properties of an atom?

Accepted Answer

Electrons

Question 5

What type of chemical bond involves the sharing of electrons between atoms?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct example of a synthesis (anabolic) reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$A + B \rightarrow AB$$

Question 7

A solution is made by dissolving salt in water. In this solution, water acts as the:

Accepted Answer

Solvent

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why ice floats in water?

Accepted Answer

Ice is less dense than liquid water due to hydrogen bonding.

Question 9

Which of the following is a buffer’s primary function in the human body?

Accepted Answer

To maintain pH despite additions of acids or bases.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct representation of a neutralization reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$HCl + NaOH \rightarrow NaCl + H_2O$$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes ATP’s role in the cell?

Accepted Answer

ATP directly powers chemical reactions by providing immediate, usable energy.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Energy storage as triglycerides

Question 13

Which of the following is a polymer made up of monosaccharide monomers?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 14

Which of the following is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose?

Accepted Answer

Lactose

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

A cation has a positive charge, while an anion has a negative charge.

Question 16

Which of the following is true about the pH scale?

Accepted Answer

A solution with pH 7 is neutral.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct example of an exchange (displacement) reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$AB + CD \rightarrow AD + CB$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a biological macromolecule that stores and transfers genetic information?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acids

Question 19

Which of the following is a property of water that is essential for life?

Accepted Answer

Water is highly polar, allowing it to dissolve ionic and polar covalent substances.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur.

The Chemistry of Life – Foundations for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions