Question 1

Which of the following best describes an isotope?

Accepted Answer

An atom with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons

Question 2

A solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of $$1 	imes 10$$^{-4}$$ M. What is its pH, and is it acidic, basic, or neutral?

Accepted Answer

pH = 4; acidic

Question 3

Which of the following statements about covalent bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent for ionic compounds?

Accepted Answer

Water is a polar molecule, allowing it to surround and separate ions

Question 5

A patient receives an intravenous solution that is hypertonic relative to their blood plasma. What is the most likely effect on their red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Water will leave the cells, causing them to shrink (crenate)

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct example of chemical notation for a molecule containing two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{H_2O}$$

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between a saturated and an unsaturated fat?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms; unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 9

Which of the following best describes complementary base pairing in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Adenine pairs with thymine, and guanine pairs with cytosine via hydrogen bonds

Question 10

A chemical reaction in which glucose and fructose combine to form sucrose and water is an example of which type of reaction?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis (synthesis reaction)

Question 11

Which of the following statements about phospholipids is correct?

Accepted Answer

They have polar heads and nonpolar tails, forming the main component of cell membranes

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of buffers in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Buffers absorb excess hydrogen or hydroxyl ions to resist changes in pH

Question 13

Which of the following is a polysaccharide found in animal cells that serves as a storage form of glucose?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why nonpolar molecules are hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

They cannot form hydrogen bonds with water molecules

Question 15

A molecule with the formula $$\mathrm{C$$_{6}$$H_{12}O$$_{6}}$ is most likely which type of organic molecule?

Accepted Answer

Monosaccharide

Question 16

Which of the following is true regarding the atomic weight of an atom?

Accepted Answer

It equals the sum of the number of protons and neutrons

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction?

Accepted Answer

A reaction involving the simultaneous transfer of electrons, where one substance is oxidized and another is reduced

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct description of a peptide bond?

Accepted Answer

A covalent bond formed between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between a cation and an anion?

Accepted Answer

A cation has a positive charge due to loss of electrons; an anion has a negative charge due to gain of electrons

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why van der Waals forces are important in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

They help determine the final arrangement of molecules, such as in antibody-antigen interactions

Chemistry of Life: Foundations for Microbiology

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