Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cellulose cannot be digested by most animals, while starch can?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose is composed of $\beta$-glucose monomers, forming straight chains with hydrogen bonds, while starch is composed of $\alpha$-glucose monomers, forming helical structures that are easily broken down by enzymes.

Question 2

A patient is found to have a buildup of solid plaques in their arteries. Which type of dietary fat is most likely contributing to this condition, and why?

Accepted Answer

Trans unsaturated fats, because their straight structure allows tight packing and plaque formation.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acids – nucleotide – store genetic information

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Dehydration reaction; water ($H_2O$) is released

Question 5

A triglyceride is formed from which combination of molecules, and what type of bond links them?

Accepted Answer

One glycerol and three fatty acids; ester bonds

Question 6

Which structural feature of phospholipids is critical for the formation of biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, resulting in straight chains, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds, causing kinks in the chain.

Question 8

A food manufacturer hydrogenates vegetable oil. What is the most likely result of this process?

Accepted Answer

The oil becomes more solid at room temperature and may contain trans fats.

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct example of a polysaccharide and its biological role?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen – energy storage in animals

Question 10

Which of the following statements about cholesterol is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a steroid with a four-ring structure and is a precursor to steroid hormones.

Question 11

A scientist is studying a molecule with the formula $C_6H_{12}O_6$. Which of the following could this molecule be, and what is its classification?

Accepted Answer

Glucose; monosaccharide

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why unsaturated fats are generally considered healthier than saturated fats?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fats have kinks in their fatty acid chains due to double bonds, preventing tight packing and reducing the risk of artery blockage.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a macromolecule and its function?

Accepted Answer

Proteins – catalyze biochemical reactions

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the structure of a nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

A phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar, and a nitrogenous base

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of the inability to digest cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Humans cannot extract energy from dietary fiber, but it aids in digestive health.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the amphipathic nature of phospholipids and its biological significance?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have both hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, allowing them to form bilayers that make up cell membranes.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the difference between alpha ($\alpha$) and beta ($\beta$) glucose?

Accepted Answer

The position of the hydroxyl group on carbon 1 differs, affecting the structure and digestibility of the resulting polysaccharides.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of hydrolysis in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

It breaks down polymers into monomers by adding water ($H_2O$).

Question 19

A researcher is analyzing a molecule that is insoluble in water, contains long hydrocarbon chains, and is used for energy storage in animals. Which class of macromolecule is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Lipid

Macromolecules II: Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules

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