Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Its ability to share electrons in four covalent bonds

Question 2

Which functional group is responsible for making organic molecules more soluble in water due to its polar covalent bonds?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($$-OH)$$

Question 3

A molecule with the formula $$C_4H_{10}$$ can exist as butane or isobutane. What type of isomers are these?

Accepted Answer

Structural isomers

Question 4

Which functional group acts as an acid by increasing the dissociation of hydrogen as an ion ($$H^+$$)?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-COOH)$$

Question 5

What is the main difference between an aldehyde and a ketone functional group in monosaccharides?

Accepted Answer

Aldehyde group is at the end of the carbon skeleton, ketone group is within the skeleton

Question 6

Which process do cells use to link monomers together to form polymers?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a polymer?

Accepted Answer

Lipid

Question 8

What is the main function of cellulose in plants?

Accepted Answer

Structural support

Question 9

Why are most animal fats solid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

They contain a high proportion of saturated fatty acids

Question 10

Which type of isomer is involved in the biochemistry of vision, where a light-induced change occurs in rhodopsin?

Accepted Answer

Geometric (cis-trans) isomer

Question 11

Which functional group is found in all amino acids and acts as a base?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($$-NH_2$)

Question 12

What is the role of the sulfhydryl group ($$-SH) in $$proteins?

Accepted Answer

It stabilizes protein structure by forming disulfide bonds

Question 13

Which molecule is the base steroid from which the body produces other steroids such as estrogen and testosterone?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol

Question 14

Which process is used by cells to break down macromolecules into their monomers?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 15

Which of the following statements about lipids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are hydrophobic and do not mix with water

Question 16

Which of the following is a storage polysaccharide found in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 17

What is the main fuel that cells use for cellular work?

Accepted Answer

Monosaccharides

Question 18

Which functional group is present in all nucleic acids and is essential for energy transfer in cells?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group ($$-$$OPO_3$$^{2-})$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of insects?

Accepted Answer

Chitin

Question 20

Which property distinguishes monosaccharides like glucose and fructose as structural isomers?

Accepted Answer

They have the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms

The Molecules of Life: Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules

Study Guide - Practice Questions