Question 1

Which property of carbon allows it to form the backbone of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms

Question 2

A dehydration synthesis reaction is crucial in the formation of biological polymers. Which equation best represents this process?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{Monomer}_1 + \mathrm{Monomer}_2 \rightarrow \mathrm{Polymer} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}$

Question 3

Which of the following is a correct example of a disaccharide and its constituent monosaccharides?

Accepted Answer

Sucrose: glucose + fructose

Question 4

Which polysaccharide is primarily used for energy storage in animals, and what is its monomer?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen; monomer is glucose

Question 5

A triglyceride molecule is formed by the combination of which components?

Accepted Answer

Three fatty acids and one glycerol

Question 6

Which structural feature distinguishes saturated fatty acids from unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have only single bonds between carbon atoms

Question 7

Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes. Which structural formula best represents a phospholipid?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{Glycerol} + 2\ \mathrm{Fatty\ acids} + 1\ \mathrm{Phosphate\ group}$

Question 8

Which part of an amino acid varies among the 20 different types, giving each its unique properties?

Accepted Answer

The R group (side chain)

Question 9

Which level of protein structure is primarily determined by hydrogen bonding between backbone atoms, resulting in alpha helices and beta sheets?

Accepted Answer

Secondary structure

Question 10

Hemoglobin is an example of which type of protein, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Transport protein; carries oxygen in blood

Question 11

Given the following molecular formula: $\mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{12}\mathrm{O}_6$, which type of carbohydrate does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Monosaccharide

Question 12

Which of the following molecules is NOT correctly matched with its function?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose: energy storage in plants

Question 13

A student draws a structural formula for a carbon atom with five single bonds to other atoms. What is the error in this drawing?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can only form four covalent bonds

Question 14

Which process breaks down polymers into monomers, and what molecule is required for this reaction?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis; water ($\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}$)

Question 15

Which of the following is a steroid, and what is its biological role?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol; component of cell membranes and precursor to hormones

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the general structure of an amino acid?

Accepted Answer

Central carbon atom bonded to an amino group ($\mathrm{NH}_2$), a carboxyl group ($\mathrm{COOH}$), a hydrogen atom, and an R group

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct example of a protein and its function?

Accepted Answer

Actin: structural support in muscle cells

Question 18

A patient is diagnosed with a disorder that affects the structure of their phospholipid bilayer. Which part of the phospholipid is hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

Fatty acid tails

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the structure of proteins is correct?

Accepted Answer

The sequence of amino acids determines the protein's primary structure

Question 20

Which molecule is most likely to be found in the exoskeleton of insects and the cell walls of fungi?

Accepted Answer

Chitin

Biomolecules: Structure, Function, and Classification

Study Guide - Practice Questions