Question 1

Which of the following best describes a dehydration reaction in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

A reaction in which two monomers are joined together by removing a molecule of water.

Question 2

A scientist finds a molecule composed only of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Which type of molecule is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

A hydrocarbon

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of monosaccharides?

Accepted Answer

They are always found as disaccharides in nature.

Question 4

When two monosaccharides are joined by a dehydration synthesis, what is formed?

Accepted Answer

A disaccharide

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why the molecular formula of maltose is $$\mathrm{C$$_{12}$$H_{22}O$$_{11}}$$ and not $$\mathrm{$$C_{12}H$$_{24}$$O_{12}}$$?

Accepted Answer

A molecule of water ($$\mathrm{H_2O}) is $$removed during the dehydration reaction.

Question 6

Starch, glycogen, and cellulose all share which of the following characteristics?

Accepted Answer

They are all composed of glucose monomers.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about lipids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are insoluble in water due to their nonpolar nature.

Question 8

A biochemist discovers a fat that is liquid at room temperature and has fewer hydrogen atoms per carbon than other fats. What type of fat is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

An unsaturated fat

Question 9

Which of the following variables has the least impact on the relative risk for coronary heart disease?

Accepted Answer

Monounsaturated fat

Question 10

Which of the following is used within the cell’s membrane and as a precursor to other steroids synthesized by cells?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol

Question 11

Proteins are polymers constructed from which monomers?

Accepted Answer

Amino acids

Question 12

The function of a protein is most directly dependent on its:

Accepted Answer

Sequence of amino acids

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why a change in a single amino acid can cause sickle cell disease?

Accepted Answer

It changes the primary structure, which alters the protein’s shape and function.

Question 14

A(n) _____ is considered to be the unit of inheritance, which is actually made of _____ and _____ .

Accepted Answer

gene; DNA; nucleotides

Question 15

Transcription of a gene results in a molecule of:

Accepted Answer

RNA

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a component found in all nucleotides?

Accepted Answer

A fatty acid tail

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the reaction: $$\mathrm{glucose + galactose \rightarrow lactose + H_2O}$$?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration reaction

Question 18

Which of the following is a risk associated with the use of anabolic steroids?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why cellulose is difficult for most animals to digest?

Accepted Answer

The glucose monomers are joined by $$\beta-1$$,4-glycosidic bonds, which most animals lack enzymes to break.

Question 20

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, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.

Study Guide: The Molecules of Cells – Organic Compounds, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards