Question 1

Which property of carbon is primarily responsible for the diversity of organic molecules found in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to bond with four other atoms, allowing for complex structures

Question 2

Methamphetamine exists as two isomers: one is a powerful illegal drug, and the other is a sinus medication. What explains their different effects?

Accepted Answer

They have different structures, and molecular shape determines function

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a dehydration reaction in the formation of biological polymers?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Which chemical group is NOT hydrophilic and therefore does NOT increase the solubility of organic molecules in water?

Accepted Answer

Methyl group

Question 5

A disaccharide is formed when two monosaccharides are joined by a dehydration reaction. Which of the following is a correct general formula for a monosaccharide?

Accepted Answer

$C_nH_{2n}O_n$

Question 6

Which polysaccharide is primarily used for energy storage in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 7

Trans fats are produced by which process?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogenation of unsaturated fats

Question 8

Which of the following statements about phospholipids is correct?

Accepted Answer

They have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, forming cell membranes

Question 9

A protein's function is most directly determined by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Its specific three-dimensional shape

Question 10

What is the result of denaturation of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The protein unravels, loses its specific shape, and loses its function

Question 11

Which level of protein structure is directly determined by the sequence of amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Primary structure

Question 12

If a genetic mutation alters the primary structure of a protein, what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The protein's shape and function may be altered

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

A sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

DNA is a double helix, while RNA is usually single-stranded

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of evolution involving a biological molecule?

Accepted Answer

The development of lactose tolerance in some human populations due to mutations in the DNA controlling lactase production

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Saturated fats have no double bonds, allowing their molecules to pack closely together

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of cholesterol in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It is a precursor for making other steroids, including sex hormones

Question 18

During digestion, proteins are broken down into their monomers by which process?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of enzymes in biological reactions?

Accepted Answer

They speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between genes and proteins?

Accepted Answer

Genes are segments of DNA that serve as blueprints for proteins

Chapter 3: The Molecules of Cells – General Biology Study Notes

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