Question 1

Which of the following best describes a polymer in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

A large molecule made up of many similar or identical building blocks called monomers.

Question 2

During the formation of a protein polymer, which type of reaction links amino acid monomers together?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration reaction

Question 3

What is released as a byproduct when two monomers are joined by a dehydration reaction?

Accepted Answer

Water ($H_2O$)

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a biological macromolecule?

Accepted Answer

Salt

Question 5

Which process breaks the covalent bonds between monomers in a polymer?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 6

A polysaccharide is composed of many glucose monomers. What type of bond connects these monomers?

Accepted Answer

Glycosidic linkage

Question 7

Which of the following is a monosaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 8

In aqueous solutions, sugars often form ring structures. Which sugar is classified as a hexose?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 9

Which statement best explains why some barracuda species have proteins that differ by a single amino acid?

Accepted Answer

To optimize protein function for different environments.

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of polysaccharides in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing energy and providing structure

Question 11

Which polysaccharide is used for energy storage in animals and is highly branched?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 12

Why can't most animals digest cellulose?

Accepted Answer

They lack enzymes to break the specific glycosidic linkages in cellulose.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the structure of saturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

They contain only single bonds in the hydrocarbon tail.

Question 14

How does the presence of double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids affect their physical properties?

Accepted Answer

It causes the tails to kink, making them more fluid and liquid at room temperature.

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of a substance high in saturated lipids?

Accepted Answer

Butter

Question 16

What is the main reason that cell membranes are fluid rather than rigid?

Accepted Answer

They contain a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids.

Question 17

Which of the following correctly matches a macromolecule with its monomer?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate — Monosaccharide

Question 18

A dehydration reaction between two glucose molecules forms which disaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Maltose

Question 19

Which of the following statements about hydrolysis is correct?

Accepted Answer

It breaks polymers into monomers by adding water.

Question 20

A patient is unable to digest lactose due to a deficiency in the enzyme lactase. Which type of chemical bond is the enzyme unable to break?

Accepted Answer

Glycosidic linkage

Macromolecules and Polymers in Biology: Structure, Formation, and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions