Question 1

Which of the following best explains why water has a high surface tension compared to most other liquids?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds between water molecules create a cohesive network at the surface.

Question 2

A radioactive isotope of carbon, $$^{14}C$$, is used in medical imaging. Which property makes $$^{14}C$$ different from the most common carbon isotope, $$^{12}C$$?

Accepted Answer

$$^{14}C$$ has more neutrons than $$^{12}C.$$

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the role of buffers in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Buffers maintain a relatively constant pH by accepting or donating hydrogen ions.

Question 4

A molecule of glucose ($$C_6H_{12}O_6$) is broken down in a cell through hydrolysis. Which of the following is required for this reaction?

Accepted Answer

The addition of water to break a bond.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the Miller-Urey experiment is correct?

Accepted Answer

It showed that organic molecules could form under conditions thought to resemble those of early Earth.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why ice floats on liquid water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds in ice create a lattice that is less dense than liquid water.

Question 7

A patient is given an intravenous solution that is hypertonic to their blood plasma. What is the most likely effect on their red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

The cells will shrink as water leaves the cells by osmosis.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct description of a phospholipid's structure and its role in biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

A phospholipid has a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails, forming a bilayer in membranes.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms; unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.

Question 10

Which of the following is true regarding the primary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

It is determined by the sequence of amino acids joined by peptide bonds.

Question 11

A scientist is studying a cell with no nucleus, no membrane-bound organelles, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is she most likely observing?

Accepted Answer

A prokaryotic bacterial cell

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why enzymes are essential for life?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for chemical reactions, increasing reaction rates.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is correct?

Accepted Answer

ATP stores energy in the bonds between its phosphate groups, which is released when a phosphate is removed.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Question 15

Which of the following is a property of water that helps moderate Earth's climate?

Accepted Answer

Water has a high specific heat, allowing it to absorb and release large amounts of heat with little temperature change.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a dehydration synthesis reaction?

Accepted Answer

A reaction in which water is removed to form a bond between monomers.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a structural isomer?

Accepted Answer

Two molecules with the same molecular formula but different covalent arrangements of their atoms.

Question 18

A solution has a pH of 4. What is the concentration of hydrogen ions $$[H^+] in $$this solution?

Accepted Answer

$$[H^+] = 1 	imes 10$$^{-4}$$ \ \mathrm{M}$$

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of chaperonins in cells?

Accepted Answer

They assist in the proper folding of proteins.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the surface area-to-volume ratio is important for cells?

Accepted Answer

A higher surface area-to-volume ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

Chemical Foundations and Cell Structure: Study Notes for Introductory Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards