Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between organic and inorganic molecules in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Organic molecules always contain both carbon and hydrogen, while inorganic molecules generally do not contain both.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing metabolic acidosis. Which of the following best describes what is happening in their body?

Accepted Answer

The blood pH is decreasing due to an accumulation of acids or loss of bases from metabolic processes.

Question 3

Which of the following is a correct example of a polysaccharide and its function in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen; serves as a storage form of glucose in liver and muscle cells.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains how a buffer system works in the human body?

Accepted Answer

A buffer system resists changes in pH by accepting or donating hydrogen ions ($$H^+) $$when acids or bases are added.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Long-term energy storage

Question 6

A solution has a pH of 4. How does its hydrogen ion concentration compare to a solution with a pH of 7?

Accepted Answer

It is 1,000 times higher.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the structure of ATP and its role in cellular energy?

Accepted Answer

ATP consists of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups; when the terminal phosphate bond is broken ($$\mathrm{ATP} \rightarrow \mathrm{ADP} + \mathrm{P}$$), energy is released for cellular work.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a macromolecule and its building block?

Accepted Answer

Proteins – amino acids

Question 9

A person eats a meal high in carbohydrates. Which process will most directly convert the glucose from this meal into stored energy for later use?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen synthesis in the liver and muscles

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fats have only single covalent bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fats have one or more double covalent bonds.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of an inorganic molecule found in the human body?

Accepted Answer

H$$_2O ($$water)

Question 12

A buffer system in the blood involves carbonic acid ($$\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{CO}_3) $$and bicarbonate ($$\mathrm{HCO}_3^-). $$What happens if a strong acid is added to the blood?

Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate ions ($$\mathrm{HCO}_3^-) $$will combine with the added hydrogen ions ($$\mathrm{H}^+) to $$form carbonic acid, minimizing the change in pH.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of cholesterol in the human body?

Accepted Answer

It is an important component of cell membranes and a precursor for steroid hormones.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about nucleic acids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acids are composed of nucleotides, which include a nitrogen base, a phosphate group, and a five-carbon sugar.

Question 15

A person is suffering from respiratory alkalosis. Which of the following is most likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

The person is exhaling too much carbon dioxide, causing blood pH to rise above normal.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why glucose is considered a monosaccharide?

Accepted Answer

It is a simple sugar composed of a single unit with the formula $$\mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{12}\mathrm{O}_6.$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-life example of a buffer system maintaining acid-base balance in the human body?

Accepted Answer

The bicarbonate buffer system neutralizing excess acid produced during intense exercise.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between chemical energy and ATP in living cells?

Accepted Answer

Chemical energy from food is stored in ATP, which releases energy when its phosphate bonds are broken.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the pH scale?

Accepted Answer

A solution with a pH of 2 is more acidic than a solution with a pH of 6.

Chapter 2: The Chemical Basis of Life – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards