Question 1

Which property of water allows it to move upward through the tiny vessels in plants against gravity, a process essential for plant survival?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion and adhesion

Question 2

A scientist is studying a molecule that contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio. Which class of biomolecule is she most likely investigating?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds in ice force water molecules into a lattice that is less dense than liquid water.

Question 4

Which functional group is found in all amino acids and is responsible for their acidic properties?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-COOH)$$

Question 5

A patient is unable to properly digest fats due to a deficiency in bile salts. Which class of biomolecule are bile salts derived from?

Accepted Answer

Steroids

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the process of dehydration synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Building polymers from monomers by removing a water molecule

Question 7

A mutation causes a single amino acid change in the primary structure of a protein. Which level(s) of protein structure could be affected as a result?

Accepted Answer

Primary, secondary, tertiary, and possibly quaternary structures

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids have bent tails due to double bonds, making them liquid at room temperature.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Water is polar and can form hydrogen bonds with ions, overcoming ionic bonds.

Question 10

A DNA molecule is described as 'antiparallel.' What does this mean in terms of its structure?

Accepted Answer

The two strands run in opposite directions: one 5' to 3', the other 3' to 5'.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate – Monosaccharide

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of hydrogen bonds in the secondary structure of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds form between the backbone atoms, creating alpha helices and beta sheets.

Question 13

A solution contains a large amount of nonpolar molecules. Which statement best explains why these molecules do not dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Nonpolar molecules are hydrophobic and cannot form hydrogen bonds with water.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-life example of water's high heat of vaporization helping to maintain homeostasis in humans?

Accepted Answer

Sweating cools the body as water evaporates from the skin.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between a dehydration synthesis reaction and a hydrolysis reaction?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis removes water to form bonds; hydrolysis adds water to break bonds.

Question 16

A person is found to have a genetic disorder that affects the folding of hemoglobin, resulting in sickle-shaped red blood cells. Which level of protein structure is most directly affected by this mutation?

Accepted Answer

Primary structure

Question 17

Which of the following statements about phospholipids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have two hydrophobic tails and a hydrophilic head.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why soap can dissolve both oil and water?

Accepted Answer

Soap molecules have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends, allowing them to interact with both oil and water.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct base pairing in DNA, according to Chargaff's rules?

Accepted Answer

Guanine pairs with cytosine

Question 20

A researcher adds a strong acid to a protein solution, causing the protein to lose its shape and function. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation

Chemistry of Life: Study Notes for General Biology

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