Question 1

Which property of carbon makes it the backbone of biological organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Its four valence electrons allow it to form multiple covalent bonds

Question 2

Which functional group is responsible for acting as a weak acid in organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($\mathrm{-OH}$)

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Protein

Question 4

Why are organic molecules with carbon considered versatile in forming biological macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon's four valence electrons allow it to form single, double, and triple covalent bonds with various elements

Question 5

Which functional group is most likely to be found in nucleic acids and is responsible for their negative charge?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

A mutation causes a protein to lose its sulfhydryl groups. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The protein will be unable to form disulfide bridges, affecting its tertiary structure

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why carbon skeletons can vary in length, branching, and ring structure?

Accepted Answer

Carbon atoms can form up to four covalent bonds, allowing for diverse molecular shapes

Question 8

Which functional group is most likely to act as a base by accepting a proton ($\mathrm{H^+}$)?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($\mathrm{-NH_2}$)

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a major class of biological macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

Minerals

Question 10

A molecule with the formula $\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$ is most likely a:

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate

Question 11

Which functional group is most likely to be involved in energy transfer reactions in cells?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

Which of the following statements about organic molecules is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Organic molecules are always associated with living organisms

Question 13

Which functional group is most likely to increase the solubility of a molecule in water?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($\mathrm{-OH}$)

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

They confer specific chemical reactivity and behavior to the molecule

Question 15

A molecule contains a carboxyl group and a long hydrocarbon chain. Which type of biomolecule is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Lipid

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct representation of a carboxyl group?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{-COOH}$

Question 17

Which property of carbon allows for the formation of an almost limitless array of molecular shapes?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to form covalent bonds with up to four other atoms

Question 18

Which functional group is most likely to participate in the formation of disulfide bonds in proteins?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the formation of carbon–carbon bonds was an important event in chemical evolution?

Accepted Answer

It enabled the formation of complex, stable organic molecules necessary for life

Question 20

Which of the following functional groups is most likely to be found in carbohydrates and is important for their reactivity?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($\mathrm{-OH}$)

Carbon, Organic Molecules, and Functional Groups: Foundations of Biological Chemistry

Study Guide - Practice Questions