Question 1

Why is the acidification of seawater by absorbed $$\mathrm{CO_2$} a $$serious problem for life in the ocean?

Accepted Answer

It lowers the pH, reducing carbonate ion concentration and making it difficult for organisms like corals and shellfish to form calcium carbonate skeletons.

Question 2

What was Stanley Miller trying to demonstrate with his famous experiment?

Accepted Answer

That organic molecules necessary for life could be synthesized abiotically under early Earth conditions.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the difference between cis and trans isomers?

Accepted Answer

Cis isomers have atoms attached to the same side of a double bond, while trans isomers have them on opposite sides.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a type of isomer?

Accepted Answer

Ionic isomer

Question 5

What causes some molecules bonded to carbon to form a tetrahedral shape?

Accepted Answer

The sp$$^3$$ hybridization of carbon's orbitals, allowing four single bonds to form at 109.5° angles.

Question 6

Which functional groups are always found in amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($$-\mathrm{NH_2$}) $$and carboxyl group ($$-\mathrm{COOH})$$

Question 7

A molecule with the formula $$\mathrm{C_2H_4}$$ has what kind of shape around each carbon atom?

Accepted Answer

Planar, because each carbon forms a double bond with the other carbon.

Question 8

Which functional group is responsible for the acidic properties of amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-\mathrm{COOH})$$

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why enantiomers can have very different biological effects?

Accepted Answer

They have different spatial arrangements, so they interact differently with chiral biological molecules such as enzymes.

Question 10

A molecule contains a phosphate group. Which property is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

The molecule's solubility in water and its energy storage capability.

Question 11

Which of the following functional groups is most likely to make a molecule more hydrophilic?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($$-\mathrm{OH})$$

Question 12

Which scenario best illustrates the importance of isomerism in biology?

Accepted Answer

Two sugars with the same formula but different structures are metabolized differently by the body.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the Miller-Urey experiment is correct?

Accepted Answer

It showed that amino acids could be synthesized from inorganic precursors under conditions simulating early Earth.

Question 14

A molecule with a carbonyl group at the end of its carbon skeleton is classified as:

Accepted Answer

An aldehyde

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why carbon can form such a diversity of organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds, allowing for a variety of stable structures including chains, rings, and branches.

Question 16

Which functional group is most likely to participate in hydrogen bonding with water?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($$-\mathrm{OH})$$

Question 17

A molecule with the formula $$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$}$$ can exist as different isomers. Which property would NOT differ between these isomers?

Accepted Answer

Their molecular formula

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of a methyl group ($$-\mathrm{CH_3$}) on a $$molecule?

Accepted Answer

It makes the molecule more hydrophobic.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of ocean acidification?

Accepted Answer

Decreased ability of marine organisms to form shells and skeletons made of calcium carbonate.

Question 20

Which functional group is most likely to be involved in energy transfer within cells?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group ($$-\mathrm{PO_4$^{2-}})$$

General Biology Study Guide: Chemistry of Life and Functional Groups

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