Question 1

Which of the following best describes the relationship between monomers and polymers in biological macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

Monomers are joined together by covalent bonds to form polymers through dehydration reactions.

Question 2

Which class of biological molecules is NOT considered a true polymer?

Accepted Answer

Lipids

Question 3

During digestion in the small intestine, pancreatic enzymes break down proteins by _____ reactions into _____.

Accepted Answer

hydrolysis, amino acids

Question 4

Which of the following can vary among monosaccharides?

Accepted Answer

the number of carbon atoms

Question 5

Starch and cellulose are both polymers of glucose. Why can humans digest starch but not cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Humans have enzymes that hydrolyze the glycosidic linkages in starch but not those in cellulose.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Chitin

Question 7

What is the primary function of phospholipids in cells?

Accepted Answer

Formation of cell membranes

Question 8

Which of the following statements about saturated and unsaturated fatty acids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds and are solid at room temperature.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains how citrus juice renders seafood safe to eat in the preparation of ceviche?

Accepted Answer

Citrus juice denatures proteins by disrupting their ionic bonds.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Primary structure

Question 11

A mutation in the DNA code can lead to a faulty protein. Which disease is caused by a single amino acid substitution in hemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

Sickle-cell anemia

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 13

Which of the following statements about nucleic acids is correct?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains thymine, while RNA contains uracil.

Question 14

What type of bond links adjacent nucleotides in a polynucleotide chain?

Accepted Answer

Phosphodiester linkage

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

DNA → RNA → protein

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-life example of a structural polysaccharide used in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Chitin used as a strong and flexible surgical thread

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Energy storage and insulation

Question 18

Which of the following is true about the structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA molecules have two polynucleotide chains running in antiparallel directions.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell surface?

Accepted Answer

Cell–cell recognition and signaling

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct description of the amphipathic nature of phospholipids?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have both hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads.

Chapter 5: The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules

Study Guide - Practice Questions