Question 1

Which property of carbon allows it to form large, complex molecules essential for life?

Accepted Answer

Its four valence electrons, allowing four covalent bonds

Question 2

Which functional group is responsible for the acidic properties of amino acids and fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-COOH)$$

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Monosaccharide

Question 4

Which type of reaction links monomers together to form polymers, and what is a byproduct of this reaction?

Accepted Answer

Condensation (dehydration); water is released

Question 5

Cellulose and starch are both polysaccharides made of glucose. What structural difference accounts for their different properties?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose is made of beta glucose; starch is made of alpha glucose

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the structure of a phospholipid?

Accepted Answer

A glycerol molecule bonded to two fatty acids and a phosphate group

Question 7

Which level of protein structure is primarily determined by hydrogen bonding between backbone atoms, resulting in alpha helices and beta sheets?

Accepted Answer

Secondary structure

Question 8

A mutation changes a single amino acid in the primary structure of a protein. Which levels of protein structure could potentially be affected?

Accepted Answer

Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures

Question 9

Which macromolecule is most directly responsible for catalyzing chemical reactions in cells?

Accepted Answer

Proteins (enzymes)

Question 10

Which of the following statements about DNA and RNA is correct?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains deoxyribose; RNA contains ribose

Question 11

Which bond type links nucleotides together in a nucleic acid polymer?

Accepted Answer

Phosphodiester linkage

Question 12

A triglyceride is formed by the reaction of:

Accepted Answer

Three fatty acids and one glycerol

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct application of Chargaff's rules for DNA base pairing?

Accepted Answer

The amount of adenine equals the amount of thymine

Question 14

Which macromolecule is the most abundant in living organisms and is made of amino acids joined by peptide bonds?

Accepted Answer

Proteins

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 16

Which polysaccharide is a major component of plant cell walls and is difficult for most animals to digest?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the amphipathic nature of phospholipids?

Accepted Answer

They have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions

Question 18

Which process involves the breakdown of polymers into monomers by the addition of water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 19

Which macromolecule contains genetic information and is composed of nucleotides with a sugar-phosphate backbone?

Accepted Answer

DNA

Question 20

A patient is diagnosed with a disease that affects the synthesis of collagen. Which type of protein is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Structural protein

Chapter 3: Macromolecules – General Biology Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions