Question 1

Which property of carbon allows it to form large, complex molecules essential for life?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to form covalent bonds with up to four atoms

Question 2

What is the general chemical formula for glucose, galactose, and fructose, and what does this illustrate about these molecules?

Accepted Answer

C\_6H\_12O\_6; they are structural isomers with different properties

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a hydrocarbon?

Accepted Answer

A molecule containing only carbon and hydrogen

Question 4

Why are hydrocarbons considered a good source of energy in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

They undergo reactions that release a large amount of energy due to their nonpolar C-H bonds

Question 5

Which functional group is most likely to make a hydrocarbon hydrophilic?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($-OH$)

Question 6

What is the shape of a carbon atom when it forms four single covalent bonds?

Accepted Answer

Tetrahedral

Question 7

Which process is responsible for breaking down polymers into monomers in the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 8

During the formation of maltose from two glucose molecules, which type of reaction occurs and what is released?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis; water is released

Question 9

Which class of macromolecules is primarily responsible for storing genetic information?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acids

Question 10

Which functional group is most likely to participate in energy-releasing reactions and is found in ATP?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group ($-PO_4^{2-}$)

Question 11

Which of the following statements about organic molecules is correct?

Accepted Answer

Organic molecules must contain carbon covalently bonded to other elements

Question 12

Which element is NOT commonly found in living things besides carbon and hydrogen?

Accepted Answer

Helium

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the difference between glucose and fructose?

Accepted Answer

They are structural isomers with different physical and chemical properties

Question 14

Which functional group is most likely to form hydrogen bonds with water, increasing solubility?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($-OH$)

Question 15

What is the main function of enzymes in the synthesis and breakdown of polymers?

Accepted Answer

They speed up chemical reactions

Question 16

Which macromolecule class includes molecules that function as enzymes, structural components, and transporters?

Accepted Answer

Proteins

Question 17

Amino acids are joined together to form proteins by which type of reaction?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis

Question 18

Which functional group is basic and can accept a proton ($H^+$) in living tissues?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($-NH_2$)

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why carbon is the backbone of biological macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form up to four stable covalent bonds, allowing for diverse and complex structures

Question 20

Which process must occur for amino acids from food to be used in building new proteins in your body?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis followed by dehydration synthesis

Carbon and Organic Molecules: Structure and Function in Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions