Question 1

Which of the following best explains why lichen is considered 'living' while a rock is not?

Accepted Answer

Lichen is composed of cells that carry out metabolic processes, while rocks do not have cells or metabolism.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a property shared by all living cells?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 3

Which of the following is the major chemical element that forms the backbone of biomolecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon

Question 4

Which of the following best describes why carbon can form such a diverse array of biomolecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds due to its four valence electrons.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT one of the four major classes of biomolecules found in cells?

Accepted Answer

Minerals

Question 6

Which of the following statements about functional groups is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Functional groups determine the chemical properties and reactivity of organic molecules.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a polymer?

Accepted Answer

A molecule made of repeating subunits joined by covalent bonds.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a structural polysaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why cellulose is not a nutrient for most animals?

Accepted Answer

Most animals lack the enzymes to hydrolyze the glycosidic bonds in cellulose.

Question 10

Which of the following equations represents the Gibbs free energy change?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S$$

Question 11

A process is considered spontaneous if:

Accepted Answer

It proceeds on its own, resulting in a decrease in free energy ($$\Delta G \u003c 0).$$

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of ATP in cellular work?

Accepted Answer

ATP acts as the energy currency by coupling exergonic and endergonic reactions.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct pairing of nutritional mode and its energy/carbon source?

Accepted Answer

Photoautotroph: light energy, inorganic carbon

Question 14

Which of the following statements about isomers is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Isomers have the same molecular formula but different structures and properties.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why ATP hydrolysis is highly exergonic?

Accepted Answer

ATP hydrolysis forms products with lower potential energy and higher entropy.

Question 16

Which of the following is a property of open biological systems?

Accepted Answer

They can exchange matter and energy with their surroundings, allowing continuous work.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between a storage and a structural polysaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Storage polysaccharides are highly branched and easily digested, while structural polysaccharides are linear and resistant to hydrolysis.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-life example of energy coupling in cells?

Accepted Answer

The use of ATP hydrolysis to drive the active transport of ions across a membrane.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why proteins such as enzymes are highly specific in their interactions?

Accepted Answer

Their specificity is determined by the shape and chemical properties of their active sites.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about entropy is correct?

Accepted Answer

Entropy increases as a system becomes more disordered.

Foundations of Cell Biology: The Chemical and Structural Basis of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions