Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The unique sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain

Question 2

A mutation changes a single amino acid in the primary structure of hemoglobin. Which level(s) of protein structure could be affected as a result?

Accepted Answer

Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures

Question 3

Which type of bond is primarily responsible for stabilizing the secondary structure of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds

Question 4

What is the main function of enzymatic proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Selective acceleration of chemical reactions

Question 5

Which of the following environmental changes is most likely to cause protein denaturation?

Accepted Answer

A drastic increase in temperature

Question 6

A protein is found to have four polypeptide chains. This protein exhibits which level of structure?

Accepted Answer

Quaternary structure

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a component of a nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

A carboxyl group

Question 8

Which property is shared by all amino acids?

Accepted Answer

They all have an amino group and a carboxyl group attached to a central carbon.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why sickle cell anemia is caused by a single amino acid substitution in hemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

The change in primary structure alters the protein’s folding and function.

Question 10

Which of the following interactions is NOT involved in stabilizing the tertiary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

Peptide bonds between amino acids

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA is usually double-stranded, while RNA is usually single-stranded.

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-life example of protein denaturation?

Accepted Answer

Cooking an egg until the egg white solidifies

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the formation of a peptide bond is correct?

Accepted Answer

A peptide bond forms between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, releasing $$\mathrm{H_2O}.$$

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why hemoglobin can transport oxygen efficiently?

Accepted Answer

It has a quaternary structure with multiple subunits, allowing cooperative binding of oxygen.

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of storage proteins?

Accepted Answer

Providing amino acids for developing embryos

Question 16

A scientist isolates a molecule with a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases. What is this molecule most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

A nucleic acid

Question 17

Which of the following amino acid side chains would most likely be found in the interior of a globular protein in an aqueous environment?

Accepted Answer

Nonpolar side chains

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of genes in protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Genes provide the instructions for the sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Question 19

Which of the following is true about the denaturation of proteins?

Accepted Answer

It can be reversible or irreversible depending on the protein and conditions.

Question 20

Which of the following bonds is unique to the tertiary structure of proteins and involves the sulfur atom?

Accepted Answer

Disulfide bridges

The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules: Proteins and Nucleic Acids

Study Guide - Practice Questions