Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Carbon atoms can form up to four covalent bonds, allowing for branching, rings, and chains.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT traditionally considered an organic compound?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$)

Question 3

Which of the following is a major source of inorganic carbon used to synthesize organic molecules in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$)

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a way that carbon skeletons can vary in structure?

Accepted Answer

Type of atoms bonded to carbon

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a structural isomer?

Accepted Answer

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different connectivity of atoms

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a cis-trans (geometric) isomer?

Accepted Answer

Two molecules with a double bond, one with substituents on the same side (cis) and one with substituents on opposite sides (trans)

Question 7

Enantiomers are important in pharmaceuticals because:

Accepted Answer

One enantiomer may be biologically active while the other is inactive or harmful.

Question 8

Which functional group is present in both ethanol and acetic acid?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($-OH$)

Question 9

Which functional group is responsible for the acidic properties of acetic acid?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($-COOH$)

Question 10

Which of the following molecules contains a sulfhydryl group?

Accepted Answer

Cysteine

Question 11

A molecule with the formula $C_5H_{12}$ can exist as several isomers. Which of the following is NOT a possible structural isomer for this formula?

Accepted Answer

Cyclopentane (ring structure)

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

A ketone has a carbonyl group ($C=O$) within the carbon chain, while an aldehyde has it at the end.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes a hydrocarbon?

Accepted Answer

A molecule containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct bond-line structure for 2-methylpropane?

Accepted Answer

A branched chain with three carbons in a row and one methyl group attached to the middle carbon

Question 15

Which of the following functional groups is found in both amino acids and proteins?

Accepted Answer

Both carboxyl ($-COOH$) and amino ($-NH_2$) groups

Question 16

Which of the following molecules is an example of a methylated compound?

Accepted Answer

5-Methylcytosine

Question 17

Which of the following statements about functional groups is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Functional groups are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of organic molecules.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why cis-trans isomers have different physical properties?

Accepted Answer

The spatial arrangement of atoms around a double bond affects molecular polarity and interactions.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct example of an enantiomer pair?

Accepted Answer

D-glucose and L-glucose

Ch 4 Outline Carbon Compounds, Isomerism, and Functional Groups in General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions