Question 1

Which of the following best explains why water is considered a universal solvent in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Because water's polarity allows it to form hydrogen bonds with many different solutes, facilitating their dissolution.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with goiter, a thyroid gland disorder. Which element is most likely deficient in their diet, and what is its biological role?

Accepted Answer

Iodine; required for thyroid hormone synthesis.

Question 3

Which of the following correctly ranks the strength of chemical bonds from strongest to weakest, as found in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Covalent > Ionic > Hydrogen > van der Waals

Question 4

Which functional group is responsible for making amino acids basic, and what is its chemical structure?

Accepted Answer

Amino group; $-\mathrm{NH}_2$

Question 5

During the digestion of starch in the human mouth, which enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down the polysaccharide, and what type of bond does it hydrolyze?

Accepted Answer

Amylase; hydrolyzes $\alpha$-glycosidic bonds

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the process of dehydration (condensation) in the formation of biological polymers?

Accepted Answer

It removes water to form covalent bonds between monomers.

Question 7

A mutation causes a cell to lack the enzyme that converts galactose to glucose. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell will accumulate galactose, leading to metabolic issues.

Question 8

Which property of water is most directly responsible for the ability of some insects to walk on its surface?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion due to hydrogen bonding

Question 9

Which of the following statements about ATP hydrolysis is correct?

Accepted Answer

ATP hydrolysis releases energy by breaking a phosphate bond, relieving electrostatic tension.

Question 10

A molecule is considered organic if it contains which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Carbon and hydrogen covalently bonded

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why cellulose forms strong fibers, while starch does not?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose has $\beta$-glycosidic linkages that allow parallel chains to form hydrogen bonds.

Question 12

Which of the following functional groups is most likely to increase the solubility of a molecule in water?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($-\mathrm{OH}$)

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between isotopes of carbon, such as $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ and $^{14}\mathrm{C}$?

Accepted Answer

They have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Question 14

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of natural selection as explained in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

A population of moths changes color over generations due to improved survival from camouflage.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why hydrolysis reactions are important in metabolism?

Accepted Answer

They break covalent bonds using water, releasing energy and enabling the breakdown of polymers.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct match between a functional group and its biological function?

Accepted Answer

Methyl group ($-\mathrm{CH}_3$); gene regulation

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of van der Waals interactions in biological macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

They provide weak, transient attractions that stabilize the three-dimensional structure of macromolecules.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the amino group ($-\mathrm{NH}_2$) acts as a base in aqueous solution?

Accepted Answer

It accepts a proton ($\mathrm{H}^+$) from the solution.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the relationship between monomers and polymers in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Polymers are formed by linking monomers through dehydration (condensation) reactions.

General Biology: Cell and Genetics – Comprehensive Midterm Study Guide

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