Question 1

Which property of carbon allows it to form large and diverse organic molecules essential for life?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to bond with four other atoms, creating a variety of structures

Question 2

Methamphetamine exists as two isomers with different effects. What explains the difference in their biological activity?

Accepted Answer

They have different shapes, and molecular shape determines function

Question 3

Which functional group is NOT hydrophilic and does NOT contribute to the specific chemical properties of organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Methyl group

Question 4

Testosterone and estradiol differ only in their functional groups. What is the biological significance of this difference?

Accepted Answer

Functional groups determine the molecules' shape and function in the body

Question 5

Which process links monomers together to form polymers in cells?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration reaction

Question 6

What is the general formula for a monosaccharide?

Accepted Answer

$C_nH_{2n}O_n$

Question 7

Which polysaccharide is primarily used for structural support in plant cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 8

A person consumes a meal high in saturated fats. Which statement best describes the chemical structure of these fats?

Accepted Answer

They have the maximum number of hydrogen atoms and no double bonds

Question 9

Trans fats are formed by hydrogenating unsaturated fats. What is a major health risk associated with trans fats compared to saturated fats?

Accepted Answer

Trans fats pose a greater risk for cardiovascular disease

Question 10

Phospholipids are crucial for cell membrane structure. Which part of a phospholipid is hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

The fatty acid tails

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in the body?

Accepted Answer

Energy storage in adipose tissue

Question 12

What happens to a protein when it is denatured?

Accepted Answer

It loses its specific shape and function

Question 13

A genetic mutation changes the primary structure of a protein. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The protein's secondary and tertiary structures may be altered, affecting its function

Question 14

Which process breaks down proteins into their individual amino acids during digestion?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 15

Which level of protein structure is defined by the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain?

Accepted Answer

Primary structure

Question 16

What are the three components of a nucleotide, the monomer of nucleic acids?

Accepted Answer

A sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base

Question 17

Which statement best describes the structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA is a double helix composed of two polynucleotide chains

Question 18

Lactose tolerance in some human populations is an example of recent human evolution. What genetic change is responsible for this trait?

Accepted Answer

A mutation that keeps the lactase gene permanently turned on

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why sugars are described as 'empty calories' from a nutrition standpoint?

Accepted Answer

They provide energy but lack essential nutrients

Question 20

Which equation correctly represents the dehydration reaction that forms a disaccharide from two monosaccharides?

Accepted Answer

$C_6H_{12}O_6 + C_6H_{12}O_6 \rightarrow C_{12}H_{22}O_{11} + H_2O$

The Molecules of Cells: Structure and Function of Biological Molecules

Study Guide - Practice Questions