Question 1

Which property of carbon most directly contributes to the diversity of organic molecules found in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to form four covalent bonds with a variety of atoms

Question 2

Which functional group is primarily responsible for the acidic properties of amino acids and fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-COOH)$$

Question 3

A molecule with the formula $$C_6H_{12}O_6$ is classified as which type of macromolecule monomer?

Accepted Answer

Monosaccharide

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why unsaturated fatty acids are typically liquid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

They have one or more double bonds, causing kinks that prevent tight packing

Question 5

Which functional group is found in ATP and is directly involved in energy transfer within cells?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information in cells?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acids

Question 7

A patient is found to have a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Reduced brain function and increased risk of heart disease

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 9

Cellulose is classified as which type of macromolecule, and what is its primary biological function?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate; providing structural support in plant cell walls

Question 10

Which chemical group is most likely to make a molecule more hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

Methyl group ($$-CH_3$)

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between monomers and polymers?

Accepted Answer

Polymers are formed by linking together many monomers

Question 12

A triglyceride is formed by the covalent bonding of which components?

Accepted Answer

Three fatty acids and one glycerol

Question 13

Which functional group is most likely to participate in the formation of disulfide bridges in proteins?

Accepted Answer

Sulfhydryl group ($$-SH)$$

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct ratio of carbon to hydrogen to oxygen in a typical carbohydrate molecule?

Accepted Answer

$$1:2:1$$

Question 15

Which macromolecule is most directly involved in the formation of waterproof coverings on plant leaves?

Accepted Answer

Lipids (specifically waxes)

Question 16

Which of the following molecules is NOT a polymer?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 17

Which functional group is most likely to increase the solubility of a molecule in water?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($$-OH)$$

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

It can form stable covalent bonds with up to four other atoms, allowing for complex structures

Question 19

Which macromolecule is formed from nucleotide monomers and is responsible for directing the synthesis of new proteins?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acids

Question 20

A molecule contains both an amino group ($$-NH_2$) and a carboxyl group (-$$COOH$$). What type of monomer is this molecule most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Amino acid

Chapter 4: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions