Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why lipids are hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are composed mostly of hydrocarbons, which form nonpolar covalent bonds.

Question 2

A dehydration reaction is crucial in the synthesis of biological polymers. Which equation best represents this process?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Monomer}_1 + \mathrm{Monomer}_2 \rightarrow \mathrm{Polymer} + H_2O$$

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 4

Cellulose and starch are both polymers of glucose. Why can't humans digest cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose contains $$\beta$$ glycosidic linkages, which human digestive enzymes cannot break.

Question 5

Which of the following correctly matches a macromolecule with its monomer?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate – Monosaccharide

Question 6

A patient is diagnosed with sickle-cell disease. Which molecular change is responsible for this disorder?

Accepted Answer

A single amino acid substitution in the primary structure of hemoglobin.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Two fatty acids and a phosphate group attached to glycerol

Question 8

Which type of bond is responsible for linking amino acids together in a protein?

Accepted Answer

Peptide bond

Question 9

What is the main difference between saturated and unsaturated fats at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fats have no double bonds and are solid; unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds and are liquid.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 11

A scientist is studying the structure of a protein using X-ray crystallography. What is the primary reason for using this technique?

Accepted Answer

To visualize the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in the protein

Question 12

Which of the following correctly describes the flow of genetic information in a cell?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{DNA} \rightarrow \mathrm{RNA} \rightarrow \mathrm{Protein}$$

Question 13

Which of the following is a structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi?

Accepted Answer

Chitin

Question 14

What is the effect of denaturation on a protein?

Accepted Answer

It causes the protein to lose its native structure and become biologically inactive.

Question 15

Which of the following is true about the secondary structure of proteins?

Accepted Answer

It consists of coils (alpha helices) and folds (beta sheets) stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct description of a nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

A nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Trans fats may contribute more to cardiovascular disease than saturated fats.

Question 18

Which of the following bonds is found in nucleic acids and links nucleotides together?

Accepted Answer

Phosphodiester bond

Question 19

Which of the following is a major function of fats (triacylglycerols) in animals?

Accepted Answer

Long-term energy storage and insulation

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the quaternary structure of proteins?

Accepted Answer

It results when a protein consists of multiple polypeptide chains or subunits.

Chapter 5: The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules

Study Guide - Practice Questions