Question 1

Which property of carbon most directly explains its ability to form a large diversity of stable organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon has four valence electrons, allowing it to form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes a hydrocarbon?

Accepted Answer

A molecule containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a type of isomer?

Accepted Answer

Isotopic isomer

Question 4

Which functional group is responsible for making a molecule behave as a weak acid by donating a proton ($$H^+$$)?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group

Question 5

A molecule with the formula $$C_2H_6O$$ could be either ethanol or dimethyl ether. What does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

The existence of isomers

Question 6

Which functional group is found in ATP and is critical for energy transfer in cells?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why hydrocarbons are hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

They lack polar functional groups and consist only of nonpolar C-H bonds.

Question 8

Which of the following is a real-world application of the importance of functional groups in biology?

Accepted Answer

The difference in secondary sex characteristics between males and females is due to different functional groups on otherwise similar steroid molecules.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about ATP is correct?

Accepted Answer

ATP stores energy in the bonds between its phosphate groups, which is released when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes a structural isomer?

Accepted Answer

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different covalent arrangements of their atoms.

Question 11

A molecule contains a $$-SH$$ group. Which functional group is this, and what is its biological significance?

Accepted Answer

Sulfhydryl group; forms disulfide bridges in proteins

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why scientists consider silicon as a possible alternative to carbon for the basis of life on other planets?

Accepted Answer

Silicon can form four covalent bonds, similar to carbon, allowing for complex molecules.

Question 13

Which functional group is nonpolar, hydrophobic, and often used to regulate gene expression by making DNA unreactive?

Accepted Answer

Methyl group

Question 14

Which of the following is a property of the amino group?

Accepted Answer

Acts as a base by accepting $$H^+$$

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between an aldehyde and a ketone?

Accepted Answer

An aldehyde has the carbonyl group at the end of the carbon skeleton, while a ketone has it within the carbon skeleton.

Question 16

Which of the following molecules is most likely to dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

A molecule with a hydroxyl group

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about enantiomers?

Accepted Answer

They are mirror images of each other and cannot be superimposed.

Question 18

A scientist finds a molecule with the formula $$C_6H_{12}O_6$. Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

This formula could represent glucose, galactose, or fructose, which are structural isomers.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

They determine the chemical reactivity and properties of organic molecules.

Carbon, Chemical Reactions, and Functional Groups: The Foundation of Organic Biology

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