Question 1

Which part of the amino acid structure determines the unique properties of each amino acid?

Accepted Answer

The R group (side chain)

Question 2

Which type of bond is primarily responsible for stabilizing the secondary structure of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds

Question 3

A mutation causes a protein to fold incorrectly. What is a possible consequence of this misfolding?

Accepted Answer

The protein may become a prion and cause disease

Question 4

Order the following protein structures from simplest to most complex: primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary.

Accepted Answer

Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct match between protein structure and the bond or interaction that stabilizes it?

Accepted Answer

Secondary structure — Hydrogen bonds

Question 6

Which sugar is found in DNA and which is found in RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA: Deoxyribose; RNA: Ribose

Question 7

How are nucleotides joined together in the sugar-phosphate backbone of nucleic acids?

Accepted Answer

By phosphodiester linkages

Question 8

Why are nucleic acids important for living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They store and transmit genetic information

Question 9

Which of the following best describes an alpha helix?

Accepted Answer

A type of secondary protein structure stabilized by hydrogen bonds

Question 10

A scientist discovers a protein with four polypeptide chains. Which level of protein structure does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Quaternary structure

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a component of a nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

Amino group

Question 12

If a protein loses its tertiary structure due to heat, what process has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation

Question 13

Which of the following bonds is formed during the creation of a polypeptide chain?

Accepted Answer

Peptide bond

Question 14

Which of the following is a prion?

Accepted Answer

A misfolded protein that can cause disease

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct representation of the general formula for an amino acid?

Accepted Answer

$$H_2N-CHR-COOH$$

Question 16

Which of the following is a common misconception about protein folding?

Accepted Answer

All proteins fold spontaneously into their correct shape

Question 17

Which of the following is true about the difference between ribose and deoxyribose?

Accepted Answer

Ribose has an $$-OH$$ group on the 2' carbon, while deoxyribose has an $$-H$$

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct chemical reaction for the formation of a peptide bond?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Amino\ acid}_1 + \mathrm{Amino\ acid}_2 \rightarrow \mathrm{Dipeptide} + H_2O$$

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing biochemical reactions as enzymes

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the quaternary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The arrangement of multiple polypeptide subunits

Protein and Nucleic Acid Structure: Study Notes for General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions