Question 1

Which property of carbon allows it to form a wide variety of molecular structures, including chains, rings, and branched molecules?

Accepted Answer

Its four valence electrons, allowing it to form four covalent bonds

Question 2

Refer to the two molecules shown in the first image (butane and 2-methylpropane). These molecules are best described as:

Accepted Answer

Structural isomers

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why hydrocarbons are generally hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

They contain nonpolar C–H bonds

Question 4

Which functional group is present in all amino acids and acts as a base by accepting H$$^+$$ ions?

Accepted Answer

Amino group

Question 5

A molecule with the formula C$$_6H$_{12}O$_6$$ can exist as glucose or fructose. These two molecules have the same molecular formula but different structures. What is the term for this relationship?

Accepted Answer

Structural isomers

Question 6

Which of the following functional groups is most likely to make a molecule more acidic?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group

Question 7

The Urey-Miller experiment demonstrated that:

Accepted Answer

Organic molecules can form under prebiotic Earth conditions

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the geometry around a carbon atom with four single covalent bonds?

Accepted Answer

Tetrahedral with bond angles of 109.5°

Question 9

Which functional group is characterized by a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, one of which is also bonded to the carbon skeleton, and is important in energy transfer?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group

Question 10

In the second image, which functional groups are present in the molecule shown?

Accepted Answer

Amino, carboxyl, and carbonyl

Question 11

Which of the following statements about enantiomers is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are mirror images of each other and cannot be superimposed

Question 12

Which functional group is most likely to be found in a molecule that acts as a base in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Amino group

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the presence of double bonds in a carbon skeleton increases molecular diversity?

Accepted Answer

Double bonds allow for the formation of cis-trans isomers

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT one of the seven major functional groups in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Ester

Question 15

A molecule contains a central carbon atom bonded to four different groups. This carbon is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An asymmetric (chiral) carbon

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of functional groups in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

They are responsible for the molecule's chemical properties and interactions

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the methyl group is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is nonpolar and often affects gene expression when attached to DNA

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why carbon is considered the backbone of life?

Accepted Answer

It can form stable covalent bonds with many elements, allowing for complex molecules

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-life application of the importance of isomers in biology?

Accepted Answer

One enantiomer of a drug can be therapeutic while the other can be harmful

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the energy storage properties of hydrocarbons?

Accepted Answer

They store energy in their nonpolar C–H bonds, which can be released during combustion

Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards