Question 1

Which subatomic particle is responsible for the chemical identity of an element, and how is this reflected in the periodic table?

Accepted Answer

The number of protons; reflected as the atomic number

Question 2

A sodium atom loses one electron to become a sodium ion. Which of the following best describes the resulting ion?

Accepted Answer

It becomes a cation with a positive charge

Question 3

Which of the following best describes an isotope?

Accepted Answer

Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons

Question 4

Which functional group is represented by the formula $$\mathrm{R{-}COOH}$$ and what property does it confer to molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group; acidic property

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent for ionic and polar substances?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules are polar and can surround and interact with charged or polar solutes

Question 6

A solution has a pH of 4. What does this indicate about the concentration of hydrogen ions $$[\mathrm{H}^+]$$ compared to a solution with pH 7?

Accepted Answer

It has 1000 times more $$[\mathrm{H}^+]$$

Question 7

Which type of chemical bond involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond

Question 8

What is the main difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and how does this affect their physical state at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds and are liquid at room temperature

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a buffer in a biological system?

Accepted Answer

A compound that stabilizes pH by absorbing or releasing hydrogen ions

Question 10

Which of the following bonds is responsible for linking amino acids together in a protein’s primary structure?

Accepted Answer

Peptide bond

Question 11

A patient with von Gierke’s disease cannot break down glycogen due to a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphatase. Which type of reaction is directly impaired in this disease?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the structure and function of DNA?

Accepted Answer

A double-stranded helical molecule made of deoxyribonucleotides that stores genetic information

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-life example of an amphipathic molecule and its biological importance?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipid; it forms the lipid bilayer of cell membranes

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why a mutation in the primary structure of a protein can have devastating effects on its function?

Accepted Answer

It changes the sequence of amino acids, which can alter all higher levels of protein structure

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of ATP in cells?

Accepted Answer

It is a ribonucleotide that serves as the main energy currency of the cell

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between a molecule and a compound?

Accepted Answer

A molecule is made of two or more atoms bonded together; a compound is a molecule made of different elements

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a dehydration synthesis reaction?

Accepted Answer

A reaction that builds larger molecules by removing water

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct molecular formula for a disaccharide formed from two glucose molecules by dehydration synthesis?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C$$_{12}$$H_{22}O$$_{11}}$

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of chaperone proteins in cells?

Accepted Answer

They assist in the proper folding of other proteins

Biochemistry Basics for Microbiology Students

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