Question 1

Which experiment by Friedrich Wöhler in 1828 is considered a foundational moment in biochemistry, and what was its significance?

Accepted Answer

He synthesized urea from ammonium cyanate, demonstrating that organic molecules could be formed from inorganic substances.

Question 2

Eduard Buchner’s Nobel Prize-winning experiment in 1897 showed that fermentation could occur in cell-free yeast extracts. What major scientific concept did this challenge?

Accepted Answer

Vitalism, the idea that biological processes require living cells.

Question 3

Which of the following elements is NOT one of the four most abundant elements in living systems?

Accepted Answer

Phosphorus (P)

Question 4

Stanley Miller’s 1953 experiment demonstrated that amino acids could be synthesized under abiotic conditions. Which concept does this support?

Accepted Answer

The primordial soup hypothesis for the origin of life.

Question 5

Which class of biological macromolecules is NOT formed by polymerization of identical or similar monomeric units?

Accepted Answer

Lipids

Question 6

What type of chemical bond links the monomeric units in proteins?

Accepted Answer

Peptide (amide) bond

Question 7

Which of the following is a distinguishing characteristic of living systems according to Daniel Koshland’s 'Seven Pillars of Life'?

Accepted Answer

Compartmentation via membranes

Question 8

Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for storing hereditary information in cells?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acids

Question 9

A scientist is analyzing the abundance of gene-specific mRNA in a cell using microarrays. Which 'omics' field does this research belong to?

Accepted Answer

Transcriptomics

Question 10

Which of the following ions is considered essential for living systems and is commonly found in biological fluids?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium (Mg^{2+})

Question 11

Which process is an example of improvisation in living systems, as described by Koshland’s pillars?

Accepted Answer

Mutation and natural selection leading to evolution.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of enzymes in living systems?

Accepted Answer

They serve as biological catalysts to promote biochemical reactions.

Question 13

Which type of cell is NOT one of the three major types identified by ribosomal RNA sequence comparisons?

Accepted Answer

Viral

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct description of a phospholipid bilayer?

Accepted Answer

A double layer of phospholipids forming cellular membranes.

Question 15

Which equation correctly represents the synthesis of urea from ammonium cyanate as performed by Wöhler?

Accepted Answer

$NH_4NCO \rightarrow (NH_2)_2CO$

Question 16

Which linkage connects monosaccharide units in polysaccharides?

Accepted Answer

Glycosidic (ether) bond

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world application of biochemistry that predates modern science?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation for producing bread and alcoholic beverages.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the aim of biochemistry?

Accepted Answer

To understand and explain living systems in molecular terms.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a goal of genomics?

Accepted Answer

Analyze the three-dimensional structure of all proteins.

Question 20

A researcher uses two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to separate proteins by charge and size. Which 'omics' field does this technique belong to?

Accepted Answer

Proteomics

Biochemistry: Concepts and Connections – Chapter 1 Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards