Question 1

Which property of carbon most directly contributes to its ability to form large and complex molecules essential for life?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to form four covalent bonds with other atoms

Question 2

Which of the following best describes an isomer?

Accepted Answer

A molecule with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangement

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($$-NH_2$)

Question 4

A dehydration reaction is used to:

Accepted Answer

Link monomers together to form polymers by removing water

Question 5

Which of the following is a storage polysaccharide found in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 6

Which of the following statements about lipids is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are polymers made from repeating monomer units

Question 7

Trans fats are produced by:

Accepted Answer

Adding hydrogen to unsaturated fats, resulting in a change in the configuration of double bonds

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why cellulose cannot be digested by most animals?

Accepted Answer

Its glucose monomers are joined by beta-glycosidic linkages, which most animals lack enzymes to break

Question 9

A protein’s tertiary structure is primarily determined by:

Accepted Answer

Interactions among R groups of the amino acids

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Energy storage in adipose tissue

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

DNA is the molecule of inheritance, while RNA is typically single-stranded and involved in protein synthesis

Question 12

Which chemical group is involved in energy transfer and is a component of ATP?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group ($$-$$OPO_3$$^{2-})$$

Question 13

A mutation in the DNA sequence that keeps the lactase gene permanently turned on is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A recent evolutionary adaptation in some human populations

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between testosterone and estradiol?

Accepted Answer

They differ only in the functional groups attached to their carbon skeletons

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct description of a dehydration reaction?

Accepted Answer

A reaction that removes water to form a new bond between monomers

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of consuming high levels of trans fats?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of heart disease

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why starch can be digested by humans but cellulose cannot?

Accepted Answer

Humans have enzymes that hydrolyze the alpha-glycosidic linkages in starch but not the beta-glycosidic linkages in cellulose

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate – Monosaccharide

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the primary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain

Question 20

Which of the following statements about anabolic steroids is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are synthetic variants of testosterone and can have serious health consequences when abused

Chapter 3: The Molecules of Cells – Structure and Function of Biological Molecules

Study Guide - Practice Questions