Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process by which polymers are synthesized from monomers?

Accepted Answer

They are synthesized by dehydration reactions, which remove water to form covalent bonds between monomers.

Question 2

A sodium ion ($\mathrm{Na^+}$) has 10 electrons, 11 protons, and 12 neutrons. What is its atomic number and atomic mass?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number: 11, Atomic mass: 23

Question 3

Which property of the carbon atom ($\mathrm{C}$) gives it compatibility with a greater number of different elements than hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen?

Accepted Answer

Carbon has 4 valence electrons, allowing it to form up to 4 covalent bonds.

Question 4

Which of the following solutions would require the greatest amount of base to be added to bring the solution to neutral pH ($\mathrm{pH} = 7$)?

Accepted Answer

Stomach acid ($\mathrm{pH} = 2$)

Question 5

If a liter solution contains $10^{-3}$ moles of $\mathrm{[H^+]}$ ions, what is the pH of the solution?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{pH} = 3$

Question 6

Which bonds must be broken for water to boil?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds between water molecules

Question 7

Which of the following is a reasonable explanation for why unsaturated fatty acids help keep any membrane fluid at lower temperatures?

Accepted Answer

The double bonds form kinks in the fatty acid tail, forcing adjacent lipids to be further apart.

Question 8

What is the formula for a molecule made by linking three glucose molecules together by dehydration reactions?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{C_{18}H_{32}O_{16}}$

Question 9

A protein chain is formed when parallel strands of a protein chain are joined by hydrogen bonds. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Secondary structure

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the chemical properties and expected pH of a solution with $10^{-8}$ moles of $\mathrm{[H^+]}$ ions per liter?

Accepted Answer

Basic, $\mathrm{pH} = 8$

Question 11

Which of the following is true about the relationship between two sugar molecules that are mirror images of each other?

Accepted Answer

They are enantiomers

Question 12

Which of the following elements is most likely to form polar covalent bonds with hydrogen?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Question 13

How many peptide bonds are present in a protein containing 100 amino acids?

Accepted Answer

99

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a property of water that results from hydrogen bonding?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules are shaped like a tetrahedron

Question 15

Which of the following amino acid R groups would be most likely to be soluble in water?

Accepted Answer

R groups that are charged

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why carbon can form large, complex molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms.

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of nucleic acids in living cells?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the bonds that hold together the atoms in a water molecule?

Accepted Answer

Polar covalent bonds

Question 19

Which of the following is true about the atomic structure of oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen has 8 protons, 8 neutrons, and 8 electrons.

Question 20

Which of the following is a property of acids?

Accepted Answer

They donate protons ($\mathrm{H^+}$) in solution.

General Biology Practice Exam Study Guide: Foundations of Biological Chemistry and Macromolecules

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