Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Water is a polar molecule, allowing it to surround and separate positive and negative ions.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a new organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. To which domain does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 3

Which of the following statements about carbon is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Carbon is the most abundant element in living organisms.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the primary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain.

Question 5

A solution with a pH of 4 has how many times more hydrogen ions than a solution with a pH of 7?

Accepted Answer

$$10^3$$

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing chemical reactions

Question 7

Which of the following bonds is responsible for the secondary structure of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds

Question 8

Which of the following statements about DNA and RNA is correct?

Accepted Answer

DNA is usually double-stranded, while RNA is usually single-stranded.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds in ice cause water molecules to be spaced farther apart than in liquid water.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct representation of a dehydration synthesis reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$C_6H_{12}O_6$ + C_6H_{12}O_6$ \rightarrow C$$_{12}$$H_{22}O$$_{11} + H_2O$

Question 11

Which of the following statements about enzymes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction.

Question 12

Which of the following is a polysaccharide found in plants that serves as an energy storage molecule?

Accepted Answer

Starch

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of functional groups in organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

They determine the chemical reactivity and properties of the molecule.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about hydrogen bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds form between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom such as oxygen or nitrogen.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a property of water that is important for life?

Accepted Answer

Water is nonpolar and hydrophobic.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why oil does not dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Oil molecules are nonpolar and cannot form hydrogen bonds with water.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

All amino acids contain a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis joins monomers by removing water; hydrolysis breaks polymers by adding water.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Protein and amino acid

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why changes in pH can affect enzyme activity?

Accepted Answer

Changes in pH can alter the shape of the enzyme's active site, affecting its ability to bind substrates.

General Biology Exam 1: Study Guide and Key Concepts

Study Guide - Practice Questions