Question 1

Which property of carbon allows it to form large, complex molecules essential for life?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to form four covalent bonds with a variety of atoms

Question 2

Which functional group is responsible for the transfer of energy between organic molecules, and what is its chemical formula?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group; $$PO_4$$

Question 3

A molecule with the formula $$C_6H_{12}O_6$ can exist as both alpha and beta forms in aqueous solution. What type of carbohydrate is this?

Accepted Answer

Monosaccharide

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the difference between structural isomers and cis-trans isomers?

Accepted Answer

Structural isomers differ in the arrangement of their atoms; cis-trans isomers differ in spatial arrangement around a double bond.

Question 5

Which type of macromolecule is formed by the polymerization of nucleotides, and what type of covalent bond links these monomers?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acids; phosphodiester linkage

Question 6

A patient is diagnosed with a deficiency in the enzyme that breaks down glycogen in the liver. Which type of carbohydrate is directly affected, and what is the main function of this molecule?

Accepted Answer

Polysaccharide; long-term energy storage

Question 7

Which functional group is found in all amino acids and is responsible for their acidic properties?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group

Question 8

Which level of protein structure is stabilized primarily by hydrogen bonds between the backbone atoms, and what is a common structural motif found at this level?

Accepted Answer

Secondary structure; beta sheet

Question 9

Which of the following statements about phospholipids is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are amphipathic, containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Question 10

A mutation causes the replacement of a hydrophobic amino acid with a hydrophilic one in the core of a protein. Which level of protein structure is most likely to be affected, and why?

Accepted Answer

Tertiary structure, because interactions among R-groups are altered

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct description of the difference between DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.

Question 12

Which macromolecule is most abundant in living organisms and is responsible for catalyzing chemical reactions?

Accepted Answer

Proteins

Question 13

Which of the following correctly matches a functional group with its chemical behavior?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group: acts as an acid

Question 14

Which type of lipid is a major component of cell membranes and contains a phosphate group?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipid

Question 15

Which process links monomers together to form polymers, and what is released during this reaction?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis; water

Question 16

Which of the following is true about glycogen and cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen is highly branched and used for energy storage in animals; cellulose is linear and forms plant cell walls.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why saturated fatty acids are solid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Their hydrocarbon chains are straight, allowing tight packing.

Question 18

Which type of protein structure involves the interaction of multiple polypeptide chains?

Accepted Answer

Quaternary structure

Question 19

Which functional group is found in cysteine and is responsible for forming disulfide bridges in proteins?

Accepted Answer

Sulfhydryl group

Question 20

A scientist is studying a polymer composed of glucose units joined by glycosidic linkages. Which macromolecule is she most likely investigating?

Accepted Answer

Polysaccharide

Macromolecules and Functional Groups in General Biology

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