Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It decreases the availability of carbonate ions, which are essential for organisms like corals and shellfish to build their calcium carbonate skeletons.

Question 2

What was Stanley Miller trying to demonstrate with his famous experiment in 1953?

Accepted Answer

That organic molecules necessary for life could be synthesized from inorganic precursors under early Earth conditions.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Cis isomers have functional groups on 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

Isotopic isomer

Question 5

What causes some molecules bonded to carbon to form a tetrahedral shape while others form a planar (flat) shape?

Accepted Answer

The number of double or triple bonds between carbon atoms.

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 contains a $$-\mathrm{OH}$$ group. Which property is most likely imparted to the molecule by this functional group?

Accepted Answer

It becomes more hydrophilic and can form hydrogen bonds.

Question 8

Which functional group is responsible for the acidic properties of fatty 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 are mirror images and cannot be superimposed, so they interact differently with chiral biological molecules.

Question 10

A molecule with the formula $$\mathrm{C_3H_8O}$$ could be either propanol or isopropanol. What type of isomers are these?

Accepted Answer

Structural isomers

Question 11

Which functional group is most likely to make a molecule act as a base in water?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($$-\mathrm{NH_2$})$$

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the effect of ocean acidification on coral reefs?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the availability of carbonate ions, making it harder for corals to build their skeletons.

Question 13

Which of the following functional groups is found in ATP and is critical for energy transfer in cells?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

A molecule with a double bond between two carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms on the same side of the double bond is an example of which isomer?

Accepted Answer

Cis isomer

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.

Question 16

Which functional group is most likely to be involved in the formation of disulfide bridges in proteins?

Accepted Answer

Sulfhydryl group ($$-\mathrm{SH})$$

Question 17

A molecule contains both a carboxyl group and an amino group. Which class of biological molecules does it most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Amino acids

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Decreased ability of shellfish to form shells, threatening commercial fisheries.

Question 19

Which of the following functional groups is most likely to make a molecule more soluble in water?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why a molecule with a carbon-carbon double bond is flat (planar) rather than tetrahedral?

Accepted Answer

The double bond restricts rotation and forces the atoms into the same plane.

General Biology Study Guide: Chemistry of Life and Molecular Structure

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