Question 1

Which of the following best explains why unsaturated fatty acids are typically liquid at room temperature, while saturated fatty acids are solid?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds, causing kinks that prevent tight packing of molecules.

Question 2

A scientist is studying a molecule with the formula $$C_6H_{12}O_6$. Which class of biological molecules does this compound most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Monosaccharides

Question 3

Which functional group is responsible for the acidic properties of amino acids and is commonly found at one end of a fatty acid?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-COOH)$$

Question 4

During the formation of a disaccharide from two monosaccharides, which type of reaction occurs and what is the byproduct?

Accepted Answer

Condensation reaction; water ($$H_2O) is $$released

Question 5

Which of the following statements about cellulose is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is the most abundant carbon-containing biological compound on Earth and provides structural support in plants.

Question 6

A triglyceride is synthesized from which of the following components?

Accepted Answer

Three fatty acids and one glycerol

Question 7

Which property of lipids makes them insoluble in water?

Accepted Answer

They are composed mainly of nonpolar covalent bonds between carbon and hydrogen.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of van der Waals interactions in lipid structure?

Accepted Answer

They are weak but additive forces that help hold nonpolar hydrocarbon chains together.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($$-NH_2$): Basic, accepts H$$^+$$ ions

Question 10

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder that affects the formation of glycosidic linkages. Which biological molecule's synthesis is most directly impacted?

Accepted Answer

Polysaccharides

Question 11

Which of the following statements about hydrolysis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis breaks polymers into monomers by adding water.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why starch and cellulose, both polymers of glucose, have different properties?

Accepted Answer

They differ in the type of glycosidic linkages between glucose monomers.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing chemical reactions

Question 14

A researcher isolates a molecule that contains a phosphate group, is highly charged, and is involved in energy transfer. This molecule is most likely:

Accepted Answer

A nucleotide such as ATP

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between oligosaccharides and polysaccharides?

Accepted Answer

Oligosaccharides contain a few monosaccharide units and often function in cell recognition, while polysaccharides are large polymers used for storage or structure.

Question 16

Which of the following statements about the synthesis of triglycerides is correct?

Accepted Answer

It involves three condensation reactions, each forming an ester bond between a fatty acid and glycerol.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of functional groups in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Functional groups determine the chemical reactivity and molecular shape of biological molecules.

Question 18

A mutation causes a change in the enzyme responsible for hydrolyzing polysaccharides. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

The breakdown of starch into glucose monomers

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why lipids are used for long-term energy storage in animals?

Accepted Answer

Lipids have many C—H bonds, which store a large amount of chemical energy.

General Biology: Functional Groups, Carbohydrates, and Lipids

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards