Question 1

Which property of carbon most directly contributes to the diversity of organic molecules found in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to form four covalent bonds with a variety of atoms

Question 2

Stanley Miller’s classic experiment demonstrated that organic molecules could be synthesized abiotically. Which of the following best explains the significance of this experiment for the origin of life?

Accepted Answer

It showed that organic molecules could form under conditions thought to be similar to those of early Earth

Question 3

Which of the following statements about isomers is correct?

Accepted Answer

Enantiomers are mirror images of each other and may have different biological activities

Question 4

A molecule with the formula $$C_3H_8 is an $$example of which type of organic molecule?

Accepted Answer

A hydrocarbon

Question 5

Which functional group is present in all amino acids and acts as a base by accepting $$H^+$$ ions?

Accepted Answer

Amino group

Question 6

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is critical for cellular processes because it:

Accepted Answer

Stores the potential to react with water, releasing energy for cellular work

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between estradiol and testosterone?

Accepted Answer

They differ only in the chemical groups attached to a common carbon skeleton

Question 8

Which of the following statements about hydrocarbons is true?

Accepted Answer

They are composed only of carbon and hydrogen and can release large amounts of energy during reactions

Question 9

A pharmaceutical company is testing two enantiomers of a new drug. Why is it important to test both enantiomers?

Accepted Answer

One enantiomer may be biologically active while the other is inactive or has different effects

Question 10

Which functional group is most likely to be involved in forming covalent bonds that stabilize protein structure through disulfide bridges?

Accepted Answer

Sulfhydryl group

Question 11

If a carbon atom forms a double bond with another carbon atom, what is the resulting geometry around each carbon?

Accepted Answer

Planar

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why carbon is able to form such a wide variety of molecules?

Accepted Answer

It can form single, double, and triple covalent bonds with itself and other elements

Question 13

Which of the following functional groups is found in ATP and is responsible for its high energy content?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group

Question 14

A molecule with the formula $$CO(NH_2$)_2 is $$known as urea. Which functional groups are present in urea?

Accepted Answer

Amino and carbonyl groups

Question 15

Which of the following statements about functional groups is correct?

Accepted Answer

The number and arrangement of functional groups give each molecule its unique properties

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the electron configuration of carbon?

Accepted Answer

It determines the kinds and number of bonds carbon can form with other atoms

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a structural isomer?

Accepted Answer

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different covalent arrangements of their atoms

Question 18

Which of the following elements is NOT one of the major elements of life found in similar proportions in all organisms?

Accepted Answer

Calcium (Ca)

Question 19

A researcher discovers a new organic molecule with a long carbon chain and only hydrogen atoms attached. Which property is this molecule most likely to exhibit?

Accepted Answer

It will store a large amount of energy

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why organisms are sensitive to even subtle variations in molecular structure, such as those found in isomers?

Accepted Answer

The shape and arrangement of atoms in a molecule determine its interactions with biological molecules

Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life: Chapter 4

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard