Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a macromolecule and a polymer?

Accepted Answer

Macromolecules consist of individual subunits, while polymers are formed when these subunits are linked together via covalent bonds.

Question 2

During the synthesis of a disaccharide from two glucose molecules, which type of reaction occurs and what is released?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis; water is released.

Question 3

Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the human digestive system?

Accepted Answer

Amylase

Question 4

A student mixes maltose with water and adds an enzyme. After some time, only glucose is detected. Which process and enzyme are most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis; amylase

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct general formula for carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

$C_nH_{2n}O_n$

Question 6

Which of the following statements about hydrolysis reactions is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis reactions break polymers into monomers and release energy.

Question 7

Which of the following is a polysaccharide composed of glucose monomers joined by $\alpha$ 1-4 and $\alpha$ 1-6 glycosidic bonds?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 8

Which type of fatty acid is most likely to be liquid at room temperature and why?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acid; because the double bonds create kinks that prevent tight packing.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why trans fats are considered unhealthy?

Accepted Answer

Trans fats increase cholesterol in humans and are produced through processing, leading to higher risk of heart disease.

Question 10

A triglyceride is formed by joining three fatty acids to a glycerol backbone. How many water molecules are released during this process?

Accepted Answer

$3$

Question 11

Which of the following is an essential fatty acid that must be obtained from the diet?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3)

Question 12

Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules. What does this mean in terms of their structure and function in cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

They have both hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, allowing them to form bilayers in aqueous environments.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing hydrolysis reactions

Question 14

Steroids are a class of lipids characterized by which structural feature?

Accepted Answer

Four fused hydrocarbon rings

Question 15

Which of the following statements about enzymes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes speed up both hydrolysis and dehydration reactions by lowering activation energy.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between cis and trans configurations in unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Cis configuration has hydrogens on the same side of the double bond, causing a kink; trans configuration has hydrogens on opposite sides, resulting in a straighter chain.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct example of a dehydration synthesis reaction in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Formation of maltose from two glucose molecules with the release of water: $C_6H_{12}O_6 + C_6H_{12}O_6 \rightarrow C_{12}H_{22}O_{11} + H_2O$

Question 18

Which of the following polysaccharides is found in the exoskeleton of insects and contains nitrogen in its structure?

Accepted Answer

Chitin

Question 19

A patient is unable to digest lactose. Which enzyme is most likely deficient in this individual?

Accepted Answer

Lactase

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why cellulose cannot be digested by humans?

Accepted Answer

Humans lack the enzyme to break $\beta$ 1-4 glycosidic linkages found in cellulose.

Macromolecules I: Structure, Synthesis, and Function

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