Question 1

Which functional group is responsible for making a molecule polar and thus more soluble in water?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group

Question 2

A molecule with a carboxyl group ($$-COOH) $$will most likely:

Accepted Answer

Act as an acid

Question 3

Which functional group is commonly found in the structure of DNA and carries a negative charge?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group

Question 4

The methyl group ($$-CH_3$) is important in biology because it:

Accepted Answer

Affects gene expression and is important for creating testosterone

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of the amino group ($$-NH_2$) in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Acts as a base

Question 6

A mutation causes a methyl group to be added to a gene promoter region. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

The gene expression may be reduced or silenced

Question 7

Which functional group is directly involved in the formation of testosterone?

Accepted Answer

Methyl group

Question 8

A molecule with both an amino group and a carboxyl group is most likely to be:

Accepted Answer

An amino acid

Question 9

Which of the following functional groups is most likely to be found in ATP, the energy currency of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group

Question 10

If a molecule loses a hydroxyl group and gains a methyl group, what is the most likely change in its properties?

Accepted Answer

It becomes less polar

Question 11

Which functional group is most likely to participate in hydrogen bonding with water molecules?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group

Question 12

A scientist discovers a molecule that acts as a base in solution. Which functional group is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Amino group

Question 13

Which of the following is a common misconception about the carboxyl group?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a base

Question 14

Which functional group is LEAST likely to be involved in the structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group

Question 15

A molecule with a phosphate group is added to a solution. What is the expected effect on the solution's charge?

Accepted Answer

The solution becomes more negatively charged

Biologically Important Functional Groups

Study Guide - Practice Questions