Question 1

Which property of carbon most directly explains its ability to form the backbone of a wide variety of organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to form up to four covalent bonds with different atoms ($$	ext{tetravalence}).$$

Question 2

Which of the following best describes a hydrocarbon?

Accepted Answer

A molecule containing only carbon and hydrogen.

Question 3

Which functional group is responsible for making a molecule act as a base by accepting $$\mathrm{H^+}$$ ions?

Accepted Answer

Amino group

Question 4

Which of the following statements about isomers is correct?

Accepted Answer

Isomers have the same chemical formula but different arrangements of atoms.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The concept of isomerism.

Question 6

Which functional group is found in all amino acids and is responsible for their acidic properties?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-\mathrm{COOH})$$

Question 7

Which functional group is nonpolar and makes compounds hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

Methyl group

Question 8

ATP is an important molecule in cells because it:

Accepted Answer

Provides energy for most chemical reactions in the cell.

Question 9

Which functional group is involved in the formation of disulfide bridges in proteins, contributing to protein structure?

Accepted Answer

Sulfhydryl group ($$-\mathrm{SH})$$

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why hydrocarbons are a good source of energy?

Accepted Answer

They contain many nonpolar C-H bonds that release energy when broken.

Question 11

A molecule contains a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydrogen atom. Which functional group is present?

Accepted Answer

Aldehyde (a type of carbonyl group)

Question 12

Which functional group is found in ATP and is responsible for its ability to release energy when hydrolyzed?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group ($$-\mathrm{PO_4$})$$

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a property of the hydroxyl group?

Accepted Answer

It makes molecules hydrophobic.

Question 14

A molecule with the structure $$\mathrm{CH_3$-CH_2$-OH} is $$classified as:

Accepted Answer

An alcohol due to the presence of a hydroxyl group

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a chemical reaction?

Accepted Answer

A process that converts reactants into products.

Question 16

Which functional group is polar, negatively charged, and reacts with water to release energy?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group

Question 17

Testosterone and estradiol are both steroid hormones. What makes them functionally different?

Accepted Answer

They have different functional groups attached to the same carbon skeleton.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct example of a chemical reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$2\mathrm{H_2$} + \mathrm{O_2$} \rightarrow 2\mathrm{H_2O}$$

Question 19

Which functional group is found in sugars and can exist as either a ketone or an aldehyde?

Accepted Answer

Carbonyl group

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why carbon atoms can form long chains and rings in organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon atoms can form strong covalent bonds with other carbon atoms (catenation).

Carbon, Functional Groups, and Chemical Reactions: The Chemical Context of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions