$$\text{DNA} \rightarrow \text{RNA} \rightarrow \text{Protein}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main focus of biochemistry?

Accepted Answer

The study of the physical and chemical processes that occur in living organisms.

Question 2

Which process is a chemical change rather than a physical change?

Accepted Answer

Electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living systems?

Accepted Answer

Ability to remain unchanged over time.

Question 4

Which of the following elements accounts for the majority of the mass in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Carbon (C)

Question 5

What is the primary solvent in cells, making up 60–90% of their mass?

Accepted Answer

Water ($$\mathrm{H_2O})$$

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the 'Central Dogma' of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{DNA} ightarrow 	ext{RNA} ightarrow 	ext{Protein}$$

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of proteins in biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

Transmitting signals between compartments

Question 8

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic cells is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They have a cell wall and may have an outer membrane.

Question 9

Which of the following is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units?

Accepted Answer

Amylose

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why cells are considered to be in a 'dynamic steady state'?

Accepted Answer

Cells maintain constant internal conditions through continuous transformation of matter and energy.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct description of a glycoprotein?

Accepted Answer

A protein molecule that is glycosylated on one or more amino acid side chains.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have internal membrane-bound compartments (organelles), while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of feedback mechanisms in cellular metabolism?

Accepted Answer

They allow cells to maintain a dynamic steady state by regulating metabolic pathways.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-life example of a chemical process?

Accepted Answer

Electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen fuel.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the structure of a phospholipid?

Accepted Answer

A molecule with a hydrophilic head group and two hydrophobic acyl chains.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and aiding in vesicle trafficking.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the composition of biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

They are composed of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about nucleic acids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

DNA and RNA are polymers of nucleotides.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct representation of the chemical equation for the electrolysis of water?

Accepted Answer

$$2\ \mathrm{H_2O_{(l)}} \rightarrow 2\ \mathrm{H_2_{(g)}} + \mathrm{O_2_{(g)}}$$

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why proteins are considered the 'machinery' of the cell?

Accepted Answer

They perform the executive functions that produce and organize all cellular components.

Introduction to Biochemistry: Structure, Function, and Organization of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions