Question 1

Which property of carbon most directly explains its ability to form a vast diversity of organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Its tetravalence, allowing it to form four covalent bonds

Question 2

A molecule with the formula $C_5H_{12}$ can have several different structures. What is the term for compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures?

Accepted Answer

Isomers

Question 3

Which functional group is most likely to increase the solubility of a hydrocarbon in water?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($-OH$)

Question 4

Testosterone and estradiol differ only in their functional groups, yet have very different biological effects. This demonstrates that:

Accepted Answer

Small changes in functional groups can lead to major changes in biological activity

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a hydrocarbon?

Accepted Answer

A molecule containing only carbon and hydrogen

Question 6

What is the molecular geometry around each carbon atom in methane ($CH_4$)?

Accepted Answer

Tetrahedral

Question 7

Which functional group acts as an acid by donating a proton ($H^+$) to solution?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($-COOH$)

Question 8

A molecule contains a carbon-carbon double bond. What is the spatial arrangement of the atoms attached to these carbons?

Accepted Answer

They are all in the same plane as the carbons

Question 9

Which functional group is most directly involved in energy transfer in biological systems, such as in ATP?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group ($-PO_4$)

Question 10

Which type of isomerism is exhibited by molecules that are mirror images of each other?

Accepted Answer

Enantiomerism

Question 11

A fat molecule contains long hydrocarbon chains. What property do these chains confer to the molecule?

Accepted Answer

Hydrophobic and nonpolar

Question 12

Which functional group can form disulfide bonds, stabilizing protein structure?

Accepted Answer

Sulfhydryl group ($-SH$)

Question 13

If a carbon atom is bonded to four other atoms, what is the expected bond angle between the atoms?

Accepted Answer

$109.5^\circ$

Question 14

Which functional group is most likely to act as a base and pick up a proton ($H^+$) from solution?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($-NH_2$)

Question 15

Which of the following statements about carbon skeletons is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They can vary in length, branching, and ring structure

Question 16

Which element is NOT one of the major elements found in all living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Calcium (Ca)

Question 17

A molecule with a methyl group ($-CH_3$) attached to its carbon skeleton will most likely:

Accepted Answer

Have increased gene expression regulation

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why hydrocarbons are used as fuels?

Accepted Answer

They contain many nonpolar covalent bonds that store large amounts of energy

Question 19

Which functional group is found in sugars and is important for forming structural isomers?

Accepted Answer

Carbonyl group ($-CO$)

Question 20

A molecule with the formula $CO(NH_2)_2$ is known as urea. Which functional groups are present in urea?

Accepted Answer

Amino and carbonyl

Chapter 4 – Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards