Question 1

Which experiment by Friedrich Wöhler challenged the concept of vitalism in biochemistry?

Accepted Answer

The synthesis of urea from ammonium cyanate: $\mathrm{NH_4NCO \rightarrow H_2NCONH_2}$

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the four major classes of biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Vitamins

Question 3

What is the primary function of nucleic acids in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing and transmitting genetic information

Question 4

Which of Daniel Koshland’s 'Seven Pillars of Life' describes the ability of an organism to respond to immediate environmental changes?

Accepted Answer

Adaptability

Question 5

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells lack compartmentalization and have all cellular functions in the cytoplasm.

Question 6

Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of which monomer?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct representation of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{pH = pKa + \log \left( \frac{[A^-]}{[HA]} \right)}$

Question 8

A solution contains $0.01\ \mathrm{M}$ conjugate base and $0.001\ \mathrm{M}$ acid, with a $\mathrm{pKa}$ of $4.75$. What is the pH of the solution?

Accepted Answer

$5.75$

Question 9

Which property of water allows it to act as both a weak acid and a weak base?

Accepted Answer

Its amphoteric nature

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'compartmentalization' in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

The separation of cellular processes using structures like membranes

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct statement about lipids?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are important for energy storage and forming cell membranes

Question 13

Which of the following molecules is NOT a carbohydrate?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipid

Question 14

Which of the following is a direct result of Buchner Brothers’ experiment with yeast extracts?

Accepted Answer

Demonstration that cell-free extracts can ferment sugar

Question 15

Which of the following is the correct acronym for the six most important chemical elements in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

CHNOPS

Question 16

Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells have a nucleoid region instead of a nucleus

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Energy storage and providing structural components

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct description of a protein’s structure?

Accepted Answer

A polymer made from 20 different amino acids linked by peptide bonds

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of RNA in early biochemistry?

Accepted Answer

RNA molecules were hypothesized to be precursors to current life, playing a role in early biochemical processes

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why Wöhler’s synthesis of urea was a pivotal moment in biochemistry?

Accepted Answer

It demonstrated that organic compounds could be synthesized from inorganic substances, challenging vitalism

Introduction to Biochemistry: Foundations, Molecules, and Cellular Organization

Study Guide - Practice Questions