Question 1

Which property of carbon allows it to form the backbone of biological molecules such as proteins, DNA, and carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to form four covalent bonds with other atoms

Question 2

What is the molecular formula for ethene (ethylene), and how many double bonds does it contain?

Accepted Answer

C2H4, with one double bond

Question 3

Which functional group is responsible for the acidic properties of vinegar?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group (—COOH)

Question 4

A molecule with the formula $$C_5H_{12}$$ can exist as both pentane and 2-methylbutane. What is the relationship between these two molecules?

Accepted Answer

They are structural isomers

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of the phosphate group (—OPO$$_3$$^{2-}$$) in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

It contributes negative charge and enables energy release when reacting with water

Question 6

Which type of isomerism is illustrated by the difference between the L and D forms of ibuprofen, where only one form is biologically active?

Accepted Answer

Enantiomerism

Question 7

What is the main reason hydrocarbons are able to store large amounts of energy?

Accepted Answer

They have a high number of carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Amino group (—NH$$_2)$$

Question 9

A fat molecule contains long hydrocarbon chains. What property do these chains confer to the molecule?

Accepted Answer

They make the molecule non-polar and hydrophobic

Question 10

Which of the following molecules contains a carbonyl group and is classified as a ketone?

Accepted Answer

Acetone

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group (—OH)

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why carbon can form such a wide variety of molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form four covalent bonds with other atoms

Question 13

Which functional group is responsible for stabilizing protein structure by forming cross-links?

Accepted Answer

Sulfhydryl group (—SH)

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of a molecule whose function is determined by its functional groups, as seen in the difference between estradiol and testosterone?

Accepted Answer

Estradiol and testosterone differ in their functional groups, leading to different biological effects

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a property of the methyl group (—CH$$_3$$)?

Accepted Answer

It makes molecules more polar

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between cis and trans isomers?

Accepted Answer

Cis isomers have functional groups on the same side of a double bond, while trans isomers have them on opposite sides

Question 17

Which of the following functional groups is most likely to be found in sugars and is responsible for their classification as ketoses or aldoses?

Accepted Answer

Carbonyl group (C═O)

Question 18

A molecule contains both a carboxyl group and an amino group. What type of molecule is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

An amino acid

Question 19

Which of the following statements about organic chemistry is correct?

Accepted Answer

Organic chemistry is the study of compounds that contain carbon, regardless of origin

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the electron configuration of carbon?

Accepted Answer

Carbon has four unpaired electrons in its valence shell, allowing it to form four covalent bonds

Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards