Question 1

Which of the following best describes a trace element in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

An element required by an organism in small amounts.

Question 2

Atoms combine chemically in fixed ratios to form molecules. Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for glucose, a carbohydrate?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$}$$

Question 3

Which type of chemical bond involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond

Question 4

A sodium atom loses one electron to become a sodium ion. What is the charge of this ion?

Accepted Answer

Positive

Question 5

Which property of water allows it to absorb and release heat with only a slight change in its own temperature?

Accepted Answer

Moderation of temperature

Question 6

What is the main reason water molecules are polar?

Accepted Answer

The hydrogen atoms have a partial positive charge and the oxygen atom has a partial negative charge.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a solution in which water is the solvent?

Accepted Answer

Aqueous solution

Question 8

Which type of bond is responsible for the attraction between water molecules?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bond

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Forming cell membranes

Question 10

Which macromolecule stores hereditary information responsible for inherited traits in all living organisms?

Accepted Answer

DNA

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

A molecule composed of a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and a phosphate group.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about lipids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are water-insoluble and composed of hydrocarbons.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of phospholipids in cells?

Accepted Answer

Forming cell membranes

Question 14

What is the ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

$$1:2:1$$

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why water is an effective solvent for ionic compounds?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules are polar and can surround and separate ions.

Question 16

Which of the following is a property of van der Waals interactions?

Accepted Answer

They are relatively weak electrical forces that attract molecules to one another.

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE about DNA and RNA molecules?

Accepted Answer

DNA stores hereditary information, while RNA can fold back on itself to form double-helical regions.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about amino acids?

Accepted Answer

All organisms use 20 different amino acids to build proteins.

Question 19

Which of the following bonds is responsible for linking amino acids together in proteins?

Accepted Answer

Peptide bond

Question 20

A scientist is studying a molecule that contains a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and a phosphate group. What type of molecule is this?

Accepted Answer

Nucleotide

Chemistry of Life & Biological Molecules: Foundations of General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions