Question 1

Which property of carbon allows it to form a wide variety of organic molecules essential for life?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to form covalent bonds with up to four different atoms

Question 2

Which of the following best explains why hydrocarbons are hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocarbons are composed only of carbon and hydrogen, which form nonpolar covalent bonds

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Linking two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide and releasing water

Question 4

Given the general formula for carbohydrates $$C_n(H_2O)_n$$, what is the molecular formula for a carbohydrate with 6 carbon atoms?

Accepted Answer

$$C_6H_{12}O_6$

Question 5

Which statement correctly describes the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds, making them liquid at room temperature

Question 6

Which of the following is a structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 7

What is the main function of phospholipids in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Forming cell membranes

Question 8

Which of the following molecules is an isomer of glucose?

Accepted Answer

Galactose

Question 9

A patient is lactose intolerant. Which enzyme is lacking, and what is the consequence?

Accepted Answer

Lactase; inability to digest lactose, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms

Question 10

Which process breaks down polymers into monomers by adding water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the structure of steroids?

Accepted Answer

Four fused carbon rings

Question 12

If a triglyceride contains three fatty acids with double bonds, what type of fat is it?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fat

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct example of a dehydration reaction forming a disaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Glucose + Fructose $$\rightarrow$$ Sucrose + $$H_2O$$

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a class of biological macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocarbons

Question 15

Which functional group is present in both testosterone and estradiol, allowing them to act as hormones?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group

Question 16

Which of the following statements about isomers is correct?

Accepted Answer

Isomers have the same molecular formula but different structures

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the health risks associated with trans fats?

Accepted Answer

Trans fats are produced by adding hydrogen to unsaturated fats, making them solid and increasing heart disease risk

Question 18

Which of the following polysaccharides is used for energy storage in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 19

Which process is responsible for the formation of polymers from monomers in cells?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct structural formula for butane?

Accepted Answer

$$C_4H_{10}$$

The Molecules of Cells: Structure and Function of Biological Molecules

Study Guide - Practice Questions