Question 1

Which of the following best explains why lipids are not considered true polymers or macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are not formed from repeating monomer units and do not have a true polymer structure.

Question 2

During the synthesis of a polysaccharide, which type of reaction occurs and what is the byproduct?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration reaction; byproduct is $H_2O$

Question 3

A patient is unable to digest cellulose but can digest starch. Which structural difference between these two polysaccharides explains this?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose has $\beta$-1,4 glycosidic linkages, while starch has $\alpha$-1,4 glycosidic linkages.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about phospholipids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails, making them amphipathic.

Question 5

Which process is responsible for breaking down a protein into its individual amino acids in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 6

A triglyceride is formed by joining which of the following components?

Accepted Answer

Three fatty acids and one glycerol

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have the maximum number of hydrogen atoms and no double bonds.

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and serving as a source of energy

Question 9

What is the main structural difference between starch and glycogen?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen is more highly branched than starch.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why fats store more energy per gram than carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

Fats are more reduced, containing more C-H bonds, which release more energy upon oxidation.

Question 11

A scientist is studying a molecule that is insoluble in water, contains long hydrocarbon chains, and is a major component of cell membranes. Which class of biological molecule is she most likely studying?

Accepted Answer

Lipid

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Joining two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide and releasing $H_2O$

Question 13

Which of the following statements about cellulose is true?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose forms straight chains that allow hydrogen bonding between adjacent molecules.

Question 14

What is the primary function of chitin in arthropods?

Accepted Answer

Structural support in the exoskeleton

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the amphipathic nature of phospholipids and its biological significance?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, enabling them to form bilayers in cell membranes.

Question 16

A food scientist is testing a new oil and finds that it remains liquid at room temperature. Which of the following is most likely true about the fatty acids in this oil?

Accepted Answer

They are unsaturated and contain one or more double bonds.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of hydrolysis in the context of biological macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis breaks a covalent bond in a polymer by adding a water molecule.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate – monosaccharide

Question 19

A mutation causes an animal to produce a version of an enzyme that cannot catalyze dehydration reactions. Which of the following would most likely be affected in this animal?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins from amino acids

Question 20

Which of the following statements about steroids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Steroids are a type of lipid characterized by a carbon skeleton with four fused rings.

Chapter 5: Biological Macromolecules – Structure and Function

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