Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds, allowing for a diversity of stable structures.

Question 2

Which functional group is responsible for the negative charge and energy transfer properties of ATP?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group ($$\mathrm{$$OPO_3$$^{2-}})$$

Question 3

A molecule with the formula $$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$} is $$most likely a:

Accepted Answer

Monosaccharide

Question 4

Which process is used to break down a polymer into its monomers, and what molecule is required for this reaction?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis; water ($$\mathrm{H_2O})$$

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the difference between starch and cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Starch has $$\alpha$$ glycosidic linkages, while cellulose has $$\beta$$ glycosidic linkages.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of lipids?

Accepted Answer

They are generally hydrophilic.

Question 7

A patient is diagnosed with sickle-cell disease. Which molecular change is responsible for this condition?

Accepted Answer

A single amino acid substitution in the primary structure of hemoglobin.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

The presence of cis double bonds creates kinks, preventing tight packing.

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a polymer and its monomer?

Accepted Answer

Protein – Amino acid

Question 10

Which of the following statements about DNA and RNA is correct?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains deoxyribose, while RNA contains ribose.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The overall 3D shape formed by interactions among R groups.

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-life consequence of denaturation in proteins?

Accepted Answer

High fever can cause enzymes to lose their function in the human body.

Question 13

Which of the following is a structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi?

Accepted Answer

Chitin

Question 14

Which of the following best describes a phospholipid’s behavior in water?

Accepted Answer

They self-assemble into bilayers with hydrophobic tails facing inward.

Question 15

Which of the following is true about isomers?

Accepted Answer

Enantiomers are mirror images of each other and may have different biological activities.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why glycogen must be replenished daily in humans?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen stores are limited and are depleted within about a day without dietary intake.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of cholesterol in animal cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

It maintains membrane fluidity and serves as a precursor for steroid hormones.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct description of a dehydration reaction?

Accepted Answer

It joins two monomers by removing a molecule of water ($$\mathrm{H_2O}).$$

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{DNA \rightarrow RNA \rightarrow Protein}$$

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of bioinformatics in modern biology?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing large sets of genome sequence data using computer software.

Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions