Question 1

Which of the following best describes the secondary structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

A double-stranded helix with antiparallel and complementary strands

Question 2

In the DNA double helix, which base pairs with cytosine and how many hydrogen bonds are formed?

Accepted Answer

Guanine; three hydrogen bonds

Question 3

Which of the following is a correct description of a polysaccharide?

Accepted Answer

A long chain polymer of sugars or sugar derivatives

Question 4

Which type of glycosidic bond is found in maltose?

Accepted Answer

$\alpha$ glycosidic bond

Question 5

A student is given the DNA sequence 5'-TGTCCAGA-3'. What is the complementary sequence, including the correct 5' and 3' ends?

Accepted Answer

3'-ACAGGTCT-5'

Question 6

Which of the following is a structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls and is composed of repeating $\beta$-D-glucose units?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 7

Which of the following statements about saturated and unsaturated fatty acids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have only single bonds and higher melting points

Question 8

Triacylglycerols are formed by the esterification of fatty acids to which molecule?

Accepted Answer

Glycerol

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of phospholipids in biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

Providing membrane structure due to their amphipathic nature

Question 10

A phosphoglyceride contains which of the following components?

Accepted Answer

Two fatty acids and a phosphate group attached to glycerol

Question 11

Which of the following headgroups can be attached to the phosphate of a phosphoglyceride?

Accepted Answer

Serine, ethanolamine, choline, or inositol

Question 12

Which lipid class is characterized by a four-ring hydrocarbon skeleton and is the precursor for steroid hormones?

Accepted Answer

Steroids

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE about glycolipids?

Accepted Answer

They contain a carbohydrate group and are often derivatives of sphingosine or glycerol

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of sphingolipids?

Accepted Answer

They are based on the amine sphingosine and can form an amide bond to a long-chain fatty acid

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of glucocorticoids such as cortisol?

Accepted Answer

Promote synthesis of glucose and suppress inflammation

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE about trans fats?

Accepted Answer

They have double bonds in the trans configuration and are solid at room temperature

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct formula for a hexose sugar?

Accepted Answer

$C_6H_{12}O_6$

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of mammals lacking the ability to digest cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose passes through the digestive tract as fiber, aiding in digestion

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE about the structure of RNA compared to DNA?

Accepted Answer

RNA can fold back on itself to form stem-loops and more complex 3° structures

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of terpenes in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

They are synthesized from isoprene and can form substances such as vitamin A and carotenoid pigments

Structure and Function of Nucleic Acids and Proteins: Key Concepts in Cell Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions