Humans lack the enzyme to break the $eta$-glycosidic linkages in cellulose

Question 1

Which property of carbon allows it to form a wide variety of organic molecules essential for life?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

A molecule with the formula $C_6H_{12}O_6$ is classified as which type of macromolecule?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate

Question 3

Which functional group is always found in amino acids and acts as a base?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($-NH_2$)

Question 4

Which type of chemical reaction joins two monomers together and produces water as a byproduct?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis

Question 5

Cellulose and starch are both polysaccharides made of glucose monomers. Why can humans digest starch but not cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Humans lack the enzyme to break the $eta$-glycosidic linkages in cellulose

Question 6

Which of the following best describes a phospholipid’s structure in a cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

A hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails

Question 7

What is the main function of fats in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing energy for long-term use

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct example of a dehydration synthesis reaction?

Accepted Answer

$C_6H_{12}O_6 + C_6H_{12}O_6 \rightarrow C_{12}H_{22}O_{11} + H_2O$

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 10

Which chemical group is found in all amino acids and gives them acidic properties?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($-COOH$)

Question 11

A fat molecule is formed by joining three fatty acids to one glycerol molecule. How many water molecules are produced in this reaction?

Accepted Answer

Three

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

They contain double bonds that create kinks, preventing tight packing

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct definition of an isomer?

Accepted Answer

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structures

Question 14

Which functional group is key to energy transfer in cells and is found in ATP?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group ($-PO_4$)

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a hydrolysis reaction?

Accepted Answer

A reaction that breaks a polymer into monomers by adding water

Question 16

Which of the following is a monomer of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Amino acid

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct formula for a pentose sugar?

Accepted Answer

$C_5H_{10}O_5$

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct description of a peptide bond?

Accepted Answer

A covalent bond formed between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the R group in amino acids?

Accepted Answer

It determines the identity and properties of the amino acid

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids form bilayers in water?

Accepted Answer

Their hydrophobic tails avoid water while their hydrophilic heads interact with water

Chapter 3: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions