Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between a cation and an anion?

Accepted Answer

A cation has fewer electrons than protons, resulting in a positive charge.

Question 2

A scientist is studying two isotopes of carbon: $$^{12}C$$ and $$^{14}C. $$Which property do these isotopes share?

Accepted Answer

They have the same number of protons.

Question 3

Which property of water allows it to moderate temperature in living organisms, such as preventing rapid temperature changes in cells?

Accepted Answer

Its high heat capacity.

Question 4

A solution has a pH of 3. Which of the following statements is true about this solution?

Accepted Answer

It is acidic and has a high concentration of $$H^+$$ ions.

Question 5

Which functional group is most likely to make a molecule behave as a base in water?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($$-NH_2$)

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Ice has a lower density than liquid water because its molecules form a crystalline structure with more open space.

Question 7

A buffer solution is added to a cell culture. What is the primary function of the buffer?

Accepted Answer

To maintain a stable pH by neutralizing added acids or bases.

Question 8

Which type of bond is responsible for the attraction between water molecules, leading to surface tension?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds

Question 9

Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for storing genetic information in cells?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acids

Question 10

A molecule of glucose ($$C_6H_{12}O_6$) is joined to another glucose molecule to form maltose. What type of reaction is this?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between $$eta-$$glucose and $$	ext{α}-$$glucose?

Accepted Answer

$$\beta-$$glucose and $$\alpha-$$glucose differ in the orientation of the hydroxyl group on carbon 1.

Question 12

Which of the following is a major structural difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids contain double bonds, causing kinks in the hydrocarbon chain.

Question 13

Which level of protein structure is directly determined by the sequence of amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Primary structure

Question 14

A patient is diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, which is caused by a single amino acid change in hemoglobin. This mutation affects which level of protein structure?

Accepted Answer

Primary structure, which can alter secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures

Question 15

Which of the following statements about phospholipids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids contain a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a polysaccharide used for energy storage in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the relationship between monomers and polymers?

Accepted Answer

Monomers are small molecules that join together to form polymers.

Question 18

Which of the following is a key difference between DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

A student mixes salt ($$NaCl) in $$water and observes it dissolves easily. Which property of water explains this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Water's ability to act as a solvent due to its polarity

Fundamental Chemical Principles in Cell Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards