Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Its tetravalence, allowing four covalent bonds with a variety of atoms

Question 2

A scientist discovers a molecule with the formula $$C_6H_{12}O_6$. Which class of biological macromolecule does this most likely represent?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate

Question 3

Which functional group is characterized by a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogens and to the carbon skeleton, and is found in amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Amino group

Question 4

During the synthesis of a polymer, which type of reaction occurs and what is the byproduct?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration (condensation); water is released

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Their hydrophilic heads interact with water while hydrophobic tails avoid it

Question 6

A patient is unable to digest lactose. Which type of bond is the enzyme lactase unable to break?

Accepted Answer

Glycosidic linkage

Question 7

Which level of protein structure is directly determined by the sequence of amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Primary structure

Question 8

Cellulose and chitin are both examples of polysaccharides. What is their primary biological function?

Accepted Answer

Structural support in cells and organisms

Question 9

Which of the following statements about hydrolysis reactions is correct?

Accepted Answer

They break polymers into monomers by adding water

Question 10

A mutation causes a protein to lose its tertiary structure but retain its primary structure. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The protein will lose its three-dimensional shape and likely its function

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Energy storage in plant cells

Question 12

Which macromolecule is responsible for storing and transmitting hereditary information?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acids

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the structure of a nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

A phosphate group, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base

Question 14

Which functional group is found in both amino acids and fatty acids, and is characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group

Question 15

Which of the following molecules is most likely to be amphipathic, containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipid

Question 16

A researcher is studying the breakdown of starch in the human digestive system. Which process is primarily responsible for this breakdown?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the diversity of polymers in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

The presence of many different types of monomers and their linear arrangement

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct description of the quaternary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The aggregation of two or more polypeptide subunits

Question 19

Which of the following is true about the double helix structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

It consists of two antiparallel nucleotide strands held together by hydrogen bonds

Question 20

A mutation changes the side chain of an amino acid from nonpolar to polar. What is the most likely effect on the protein?

Accepted Answer

It may alter the protein's folding and function due to changes in hydrophobic interactions

Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards