Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes an isotope?

Accepted Answer

An atom of the same element with a different number of neutrons.

Question 2

A patient receives a diagnostic imaging scan using a radioisotope. What property of radioisotopes makes them useful for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

They are unstable and emit energy in the form of radiation.

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent for biological reactions?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules are polar and can surround and separate ions and polar molecules.

Question 4

A solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of $$[H^+] = 1 	imes 10$$^{-4}$$ M. What is the pH of this solution?

Accepted Answer

$$pH = 4$$

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct description of a covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Question 6

Which property of water helps regulate body temperature in humans?

Accepted Answer

Water's high heat capacity, allowing it to absorb and hold heat energy.

Question 7

A buffer system in blood involves the following reversible reaction: $$HCO_3^- + H$$^+ \rightleftharpoons H_2CO_3$$. What happens if the blood becomes too acidic?

Accepted Answer

The reaction shifts to the right, producing more $$H_2CO_3$$ and reducing $$H^+$$ concentration.

Question 8

Which of the following macromolecules is NOT assembled by joining monomers to form polymers?

Accepted Answer

Lipids

Question 9

A protein loses its three-dimensional structure after exposure to high temperature. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids contain only single bonds between carbons, while unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds.

Question 11

Which of the following is the primary function of phospholipids in cells?

Accepted Answer

Forming the main component of cell membranes

Question 12

A molecule of ATP releases energy when which of the following occurs?

Accepted Answer

A phosphate group is removed from ATP.

Question 13

Which of the following is true about enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes speed up chemical reactions and are not altered or consumed by the reaction.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Adenine-Thymine

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why carbon is the backbone of organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form four covalent bonds, allowing for complex structures.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of polysaccharides in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing energy and providing structural support

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a hydrogen bond?

Accepted Answer

A weak attraction between oppositely charged regions of polar molecules.

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis links monomers by removing water; hydrolysis breaks polymers by adding water.

Question 19

A molecule is described as hydrophobic. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

It does not interact with or dissolve in water.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the pH scale?

Accepted Answer

A solution with $$pH = 7 is $$neutral.

The Chemistry of Living Things: Foundations for Anatomy & Physiology

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