Question 1

Which of the following best describes a hydrocarbon?

Accepted Answer

An organic molecule consisting only of carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Question 2

What is a key property of hydrocarbons that makes them important in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

They undergo reactions that release a large amount of energy.

Question 3

Given the following structure, what molecule is represented?

$$
\begin{array}{c}
  H \
  | \
H - C - H \
  |
  H
\end{array}
$$

Accepted Answer

Methane

Question 4

Which statement about the diversity of polymers is correct?

Accepted Answer

An immense variety of polymers can be built from a small set of monomers.

Question 5

Why do macromolecules vary more between species than within a species?

Accepted Answer

Genetic differences lead to different combinations of macromolecules.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT true about macromolecules in cells?

Accepted Answer

Each cell contains only one type of macromolecule.

Question 7

A scientist discovers a new polymer in a plant cell. Which of the following is most likely true about its structure?

Accepted Answer

It is built from a small set of monomers.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why hydrocarbons are used as fuels?

Accepted Answer

Their reactions release a large amount of energy.

Question 9

If a cell contains thousands of different macromolecules, what does this imply about the cell's functions?

Accepted Answer

The cell can perform a wide variety of functions.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between monomers and polymers?

Accepted Answer

Polymers are long chains made by linking together many monomers.

Question 11

A mutation causes a cell to produce a new type of macromolecule. What is the most likely source of this new macromolecule?

Accepted Answer

A new combination of existing monomers.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the chemical bonds in hydrocarbons?

Accepted Answer

Nonpolar covalent bonds between carbon and hydrogen.

Carbon Chemistry and the Diversity of Biological Polymers

Study Guide - Practice Questions