Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes a macromolecule?

Accepted Answer

A large molecule composed of thousands of covalently connected atoms.

Question 2

What is the main difference between a polymer and a monomer?

Accepted Answer

A monomer is a small building block, while a polymer is a long molecule consisting of many similar building blocks.

Question 3

Which reaction is responsible for the synthesis of polymers from monomers?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration (condensation) reaction

Question 4

How many molecules of water are required to completely hydrolyze a polymer that is ten monomers long?

Accepted Answer

Nine

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a polymer?

Accepted Answer

Lipid

Question 6

What type of covalent bond joins two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Glycosidic linkage

Question 7

Which of the following is a storage polysaccharide in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 8

Why can't humans digest cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Humans lack the enzymes to hydrolyze the beta glycosidic linkages in cellulose.

Question 9

Which of the following is a structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and fungi?

Accepted Answer

Chitin

Question 10

What is the main function of enzymes in the synthesis and breakdown of polymers?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes speed up dehydration and hydrolysis reactions without being consumed.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between starch and cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Starch is composed of glucose monomers in alpha configuration, while cellulose is composed of glucose monomers in beta configuration.

Question 12

Which of the following is true about lipids?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are large biological molecules that are generally hydrophobic.

Question 13

Which type of reaction breaks down polymers into monomers?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis reaction

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of monosaccharides in cells?

Accepted Answer

They serve as major fuel for cells.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct molecular formula for a hexose monosaccharide?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$}$$

Question 16

Which of the following statements about the diversity of polymers is correct?

Accepted Answer

An immense variety of polymers can be built from a small set of monomers.

Question 17

Which of the following is true about the formation of glucose rings in aqueous solutions?

Accepted Answer

Glucose forms rings because they are the most stable form under physiological conditions.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct description of a dehydration reaction?

Accepted Answer

A reaction that joins monomers to form a polymer by removing a water molecule.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes are a type of protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct example of a disaccharide and its monomer components?

Accepted Answer

Sucrose: glucose + fructose

The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules

Study Guide - Practice Questions