Question 1

Which property of water is MOST responsible for the ability of trees to transport water from their roots to their leaves?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion due to hydrogen bonding

Question 2

A molecule of glucose ($$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$}) $$contains several hydroxyl ($$-\mathrm{OH}) $$groups. What effect does this have on its solubility in water?

Accepted Answer

It makes glucose hydrophilic and highly soluble in water.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a condensation reaction in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

A reaction that links monomers together, releasing water and decreasing entropy.

Question 4

Which of the following elements makes up the largest percentage of atoms in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen (O)

Question 5

A carbon atom has an atomic number of 6 and a mass number of 14. How many neutrons does it have?

Accepted Answer

$$8$$

Question 6

Which type of chemical bond involves the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another?

Accepted Answer

Ionic bond

Question 7

Why does water have a high specific heat compared to other substances?

Accepted Answer

Because hydrogen bonds between water molecules require more energy to break.

Question 8

Which of the following molecules is MOST nonpolar and least likely to dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Sand

Question 9

What is the pH of a solution with $$[\mathrm{H^+}] = 1.0 	imes 10$$^{-5}$$\ \mathrm{M}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$5$$

Question 10

Which of the following statements about hydrogen bonds is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They are weak attractions between a hydrogen atom with a partial positive charge and another atom with a partial negative charge.

Question 11

If the pH of ocean water decreases due to increased atmospheric $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$, what is the likely effect on calcium carbonate ($$\mathrm{$$CaCO_3$$}) $$shells of marine organisms?

Accepted Answer

Shells will dissolve more easily, threatening marine life.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why ice floats on liquid water?

Accepted Answer

Ice has a lower density than liquid water because its hydrogen bonds form a lattice structure with more open space.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct consequence of the hydrophobic effect in cells?

Accepted Answer

Nonpolar molecules aggregate together, minimizing their contact with water.

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE about buffers in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Buffers minimize changes in pH by absorbing excess protons or hydroxide ions.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the relationship between potential energy and the position of electrons in a covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

Electrons shared unequally (closer to one nucleus) have lower potential energy.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about acids and bases?

Accepted Answer

An acid is a donor of a proton ($$\mathrm{H^+}) $$during a chemical reaction.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the stomach maintains a very acidic pH?

Accepted Answer

To denature proteins and kill pathogens.

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE about the bicarbonate buffering system in blood?

Accepted Answer

It is regulated by breathing, which controls $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$ levels.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct application of the 'structure defines function' theme in biology?

Accepted Answer

The shape and polarity of water molecules allow them to form hydrogen bonds, which give water its unique properties.

Water, Energy, and the Chemistry of Life: Foundations for General Biology

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