Question 1

Which property of carbon most directly contributes to the diversity of organic molecules found in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

Which of the following best describes a hydrocarbon?

Accepted Answer

A molecule composed only of carbon and hydrogen

Question 3

Isomers are compounds that:

Accepted Answer

Have the same formula but different structures

Question 4

Which functional group is responsible for making molecules more acidic?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group

Question 5

Testosterone and estradiol differ only in a few functional groups. What is the biological significance of this?

Accepted Answer

Small changes in functional groups can lead to major differences in biological function

Question 6

Which process links monomers together to form polymers in cells?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis (condensation)

Question 7

A polymer is broken down into its monomers by which reaction?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 8

Which of the following is a monosaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 9

What is the molecular formula for a typical monosaccharide?

Accepted Answer

$$C_nH_{2n}O_n$$

Question 10

Which polysaccharide is used for energy storage in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 11

Cellulose is primarily found in:

Accepted Answer

Plant cell walls

Question 12

Which statement about lipids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are hydrophobic and not built from monomers

Question 13

What structural feature causes unsaturated fats to be liquid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Presence of double bonds causing kinks in fatty acid chains

Question 14

A fat molecule consists of:

Accepted Answer

One glycerol and three fatty acids

Question 15

Phospholipids are well-suited for cell membranes because:

Accepted Answer

They have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of proteins in cells?

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing chemical reactions

Question 17

A peptide bond forms between:

Accepted Answer

The carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Primary structure

Question 19

Denaturation of a protein results in:

Accepted Answer

Loss of its specific shape and function

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

A five-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base

Chapter 3: The Molecules of Cells – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions