Question 1

Which four elements make up approximately 96% of the human body’s weight?

Accepted Answer

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a polar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

Electrons are shared unequally between atoms

Question 4

What is the main function of the buffer system in blood plasma?

Accepted Answer

To maintain pH within a narrow range

Question 5

Which equation represents the dissociation of hydrochloric acid in water?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{HCl} \rightarrow \mathrm{H}^+ + \mathrm{Cl}^-$$

Question 6

Which of the following is a role of water in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Moderates temperature and prevents sudden changes

Question 7

What is the chemical formula for a monosaccharide?

Accepted Answer

$$(CH_2O)_n$$, where $$n = 3-7$$

Question 8

Which polysaccharide is used for energy storage in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a function of carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing biochemical reactions

Question 10

What is the structural difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have only single bonds between carbon atoms

Question 11

Which type of lipid is a major component of cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipid

Question 12

Which of the following is a trace element essential for life?

Accepted Answer

Iron (Fe)

Question 13

What is the result of a decrease in Ca$$^{2+}$$ concentration in blood plasma?

Accepted Answer

Convulsions

Question 14

Which of the following best describes hydrophobic interactions?

Accepted Answer

Nonpolar molecules aggregate to avoid water

Question 15

Which equation represents the production of a base in solution?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{NaOH} \rightarrow \mathrm{Na}^+ + \mathrm{OH}^-$$

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of Van der Waals interactions in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

They help geckos adhere to surfaces

Question 17

Which of the following is a disaccharide formed from glucose and galactose?

Accepted Answer

Lactose

Question 18

What is the main difference between amylose and amylopectin?

Accepted Answer

Amylopectin is branched, while amylose is mostly unbranched

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a weak chemical bond?

Accepted Answer

Ionic bond

Question 20

Which of the following statements about water is correct?

Accepted Answer

Hydrophilic molecules can form hydrogen bonds with water

General Biology and Genetics: Chemical Basis of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions