Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between kinetic and potential energy in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, while potential energy is stored in the location or structure of matter.

Question 2

According to the first law of thermodynamics, which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

Energy can change form but cannot be created or destroyed.

Question 3

What is the main consequence of energy transfers or transformations in living cells, according to the second law of thermodynamics?

Accepted Answer

Energy transfers increase disorder, or entropy, with some energy being lost as heat.

Question 4

Which of the following reactions is most likely to release energy that can be used for cellular work?

Accepted Answer

Exergonic reaction

Question 5

A cell uses ATP to power the movement of molecules across its membrane. Which type of work is this?

Accepted Answer

Transport work

Question 6

What is the role of enzymes in cellular reactions?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes decrease the activation energy needed to begin a reaction.

Question 7

Which statement best explains the specificity of enzymes for their substrates?

Accepted Answer

The active site of the enzyme and the substrate are complementary in shape.

Question 8

Which model describes an enzyme changing its shape slightly to fit the substrate perfectly?

Accepted Answer

Induced Fit model

Question 9

During a chemical reaction, what must occur for reactant particles to successfully form products?

Accepted Answer

Reactant particles must collide with enough energy and at the correct orientation.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of the active site of an enzyme?

Accepted Answer

It binds specifically to the substrate, facilitating the conversion of reactants to products.

Question 11

A scientist observes that a reaction in a cell releases heat and increases disorder. Which law of thermodynamics does this observation illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Second law of thermodynamics

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of potential energy in a biological system?

Accepted Answer

Energy stored in the chemical bonds of glucose

Question 13

Which equation correctly represents the change in free energy ($$\Delta G) $$for a reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta G = \Delta H - T \Delta S$$

Question 14

Which process is most directly powered by the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP?

Accepted Answer

Muscle contraction

Question 15

Which of the following statements about metabolism is correct?

Accepted Answer

Metabolism encompasses all of a cell's chemical reactions.

Question 16

Why can enzymes be used repeatedly in cellular reactions?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes are not changed or used up during the reaction.

Question 17

Which of the following is true about exergonic and endergonic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Exergonic reactions release energy, while endergonic reactions require energy.

Question 18

A mutation changes the shape of an enzyme's active site. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The enzyme will lose its specificity and may not function properly.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the 'lock and key' model of enzyme action?

Accepted Answer

The enzyme is exactly the right shape to fit the substrate molecule.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a function of ATP in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Energy, Enzymes, and Cellular Work: Foundations of Cell Metabolism

Study Guide - Practice Questions