Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A double helix formed by 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

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds and pack tightly, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds and pack less tightly

Question 5

Which of the following is the repeating unit of cellulose?

Accepted Answer

β-D-glucose

Question 6

A triacylglycerol molecule consists of:

Accepted Answer

Three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone by ester bonds

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why mammals cannot digest cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Mammals lack the enzyme to break β-glycosidic bonds in cellulose

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Forming the structural basis of the membrane due to their amphipathic nature

Question 9

What is the general formula for a monosaccharide?

Accepted Answer

$C_nH_{2n}O_n$

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Serine, ethanolamine, choline, or inositol

Question 11

A patient has a genetic disorder affecting sphingolipid metabolism. Which cellular structure is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

The outer leaflet of the plasma membrane

Question 12

Which of the following statements about cholesterol is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol is a steroid found primarily in the plasma membranes of animal cells

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Fatty acids are long, unbranched hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group at one end

Question 14

Which of the following is true about the melting points of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have higher melting points than unsaturated fatty acids

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of trans fats in food preparation?

Accepted Answer

Trans fats have higher melting temperatures and are solid at room temperature, making them useful for shortening

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Promote synthesis of glucose and suppress inflammation

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct description of a stem-loop structure in RNA?

Accepted Answer

A region where RNA folds back on itself, forming complementary base pairs

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about glycolipids?

Accepted Answer

Glycolipids are lipids containing a carbohydrate group and are often found on the outer monolayer of the plasma membrane

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about isoprene-based compounds?

Accepted Answer

Isoprene-based compounds include vitamin A, coenzyme Q, and carotenoid pigments

Structure and Function of Nucleic Acids, Proteins, and Carbohydrates

Study Guide - Practice Questions