Question 1

Which property of carbon makes it uniquely suited as the backbone of biological macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

It can form four covalent bonds, allowing for complex and diverse molecular structures.

Question 2

A dehydration reaction is essential in the formation of which of the following biological polymers?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing a polypeptide from amino acids.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the structure of a phospholipid in a cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

A hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about hydrogen bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds are weak individually but can have large effects when many are present.

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a carbohydrate polymer and its biological function?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen – energy storage in animals

Question 6

A mutation changes a single amino acid in the beta subunit of hemoglobin from glutamine (polar) to valine (nonpolar). What is the most likely consequence at the protein level?

Accepted Answer

The hemoglobin will aggregate, leading to sickle-shaped red blood cells.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why humans cannot digest cellulose, even though it is made of glucose monomers?

Accepted Answer

Humans lack the enzyme to break the specific glycosidic bonds in cellulose.

Question 8

Which of the following functional groups is most likely to make a region of a molecule hydrophilic?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($$-OH)$$

Question 9

During the hydrolysis of a disaccharide, which of the following occurs?

Accepted Answer

A water molecule is added, breaking a glycosidic bond.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the flow of genetic information in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

DNA $$\rightarrow$$ RNA $$\rightarrow$$ Protein

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct description of the difference between DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA is usually double-stranded, while RNA is usually single-stranded.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids form bilayers in water?

Accepted Answer

Their hydrophilic heads interact with water, while their hydrophobic tails avoid water.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing chemical reactions

Question 14

A scientist is studying a molecule with the formula $$C_{6}H$$_{12}$$O_{6}$. Which class of biomolecule is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

A monosaccharide

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the primary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct example of a real-world application of nucleic acids?

Accepted Answer

Using DNA sequences to track viral mutations in SARS-CoV-2

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why lactose tolerance is more common in populations with a history of dairy farming?

Accepted Answer

These populations have a gene that allows lactase production to persist into adulthood.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of ATP in cellular metabolism?

Accepted Answer

ATP acts as the energy currency by releasing energy when hydrolyzed to ADP.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the quaternary structure of proteins?

Accepted Answer

It involves the association of multiple polypeptide subunits into a functional protein.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains the importance of functional groups in organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

They determine the chemical properties and reactivity of the molecule.

Biomolecules: Structure, Function, and Biological Importance

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