Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why radioactive isotopes of an element can be dangerous to living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Radioactive isotopes release energy and particles that can damage biological molecules and cells.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

$$14 - 6 = 8$$ neutrons

Question 3

Which property of carbon is most important for the diversity of organic molecules found in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Carbon has a tendency to form four covalent bonds, allowing for complex structures.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the process of dehydration synthesis in the formation of biological polymers?

Accepted Answer

Water is removed to join monomers together, forming a polymer.

Question 5

Which functional group is most likely to make a molecule polar and able to form hydrogen bonds with water?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($$-OH)$$

Question 6

A scientist discovers a new molecule with the formula $$C_6H_{12}O_6$. Which class of biological molecule does this most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct description of an isotope?

Accepted Answer

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why noble gases are chemically inert?

Accepted Answer

Their outer electron shells are full, so they do not tend to form bonds.

Question 9

Which process is responsible for breaking down biological polymers into their monomer subunits during digestion?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 10

A patient is exposed to radioactive iodine ($$^{131}I) $$after a nuclear accident. Which property of $$^{131}I$$ makes it useful for tracking in the body but also potentially harmful?

Accepted Answer

It emits radiation that can be detected but may damage tissues.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about biological molecules is correct?

Accepted Answer

Most biological molecules are organic and contain carbon.

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of prion diseases such as mad cow disease?

Accepted Answer

They result from infectious proteins that cause normal proteins to change shape and become abnormal.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of functional groups in organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

They attach to the carbon backbone and determine the chemical properties and reactivity of the molecule.

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for a hexose monosaccharide such as glucose?

Accepted Answer

$$C_6H_{12}O_6$

Question 15

Which statement best explains why water is essential in the synthesis and breakdown of biological polymers?

Accepted Answer

Water is removed during dehydration synthesis to build polymers and added during hydrolysis to break them down.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between organic and inorganic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Organic molecules contain carbon and are usually found in living things, while inorganic molecules generally lack carbon.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the distribution of electrons in atomic shells?

Accepted Answer

The first shell can hold up to 2 electrons, the second up to 8, and the third up to 18.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct example of a monomer and its corresponding polymer?

Accepted Answer

Amino acid and protein

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why glucose is considered the primary energy source for cells?

Accepted Answer

Glucose is easily broken down by cells to release energy during cellular respiration.

Atoms, Biological Molecules, and Carbohydrates: Foundations of General Biology

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