Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Phosphorus (P)

Question 2

A deficiency of which element can lead to the development of goiter due to its role in thyroid hormone synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Iodine (I)

Question 3

Which type of bond links the monomers in a polysaccharide such as cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Glycosidic (ether) bond

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding lipids?

Accepted Answer

They are not polymeric but exist in large complexes.

Question 5

What is the chemical formula for glycerol, a component of triglycerides and phospholipids?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{C_3H_8O_3}$

Question 6

Which of the following correctly describes the amphipathic nature of phospholipids?

Accepted Answer

They have both hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Question 7

Which bond is responsible for linking amino acids together in proteins?

Accepted Answer

Peptide bond

Question 8

Which property of water allows it to act as an excellent solvent for ionic and polar substances?

Accepted Answer

Permanent dipole and high dielectric constant

Question 9

What is the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration $[\mathrm{H^+}]$?

Accepted Answer

As pH increases, $[\mathrm{H^+}]$ decreases.

Question 10

Which equation correctly expresses the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{pH = -log[H^+]}$

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct statement about the physiological pH range for most biological reactions?

Accepted Answer

It is between pH 6.5 and 8.0.

Question 12

A strong acid in water will:

Accepted Answer

Completely dissociate, producing many hydronium ions ($\mathrm{H_3O^+}$).

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of water in the formation of a glycosidic bond between two glucose molecules?

Accepted Answer

Water is released during the condensation reaction.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a monomeric building block of biological macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

Steroid

Question 15

Which of the following statements about amphipathic molecules is correct?

Accepted Answer

They can form micelles, monolayers, or bilayers in aqueous solution.

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct linkage found in nucleic acids?

Accepted Answer

Phosphodiester bond

Question 17

Which property of water is MOST responsible for its ability to moderate temperature in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

High heat capacity

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Ice has a lower density than liquid water due to its molecular lattice structure.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the effect of pH on biomolecular interactions?

Accepted Answer

The overall surface charge of biomolecules can change with pH.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct application of the Brønsted-Lowry definition in biochemistry?

Accepted Answer

Acids are proton donors and bases are proton acceptors.

Foundations of Biochemistry: Elements, Macromolecules, Water, and pH

Study Guide - Practice Questions