Question 1

Which of the following best describes an atom?

Accepted Answer

The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons

Question 2

Given an element with atomic number 8 and atomic mass 16, how many neutrons does it have?

Accepted Answer

$$16 - 8 = 8$$ neutrons

Question 3

Which statement correctly distinguishes an anion from a cation?

Accepted Answer

An anion is formed when an atom gains electrons, resulting in a negative charge

Question 4

Radioisotopes are used in medical imaging because:

Accepted Answer

Their unstable nuclei emit radiation that can be detected to visualize internal structures

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of an isomer?

Accepted Answer

Glucose ($$C_6H_{12}O_6$) and fructose (C_6H$$_{12}$$O_6)$$

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between organic and inorganic compounds?

Accepted Answer

Organic compounds contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, while inorganic compounds generally do not

Question 7

A solution has a pH of 3. Which statement is true?

Accepted Answer

The solution is acidic and has a high concentration of $$H^+$$ ions

Question 8

Which of the following best describes a polar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

Electrons are shared unequally, resulting in partial charges on atoms

Question 9

Hydrogen bonds are important in biological systems because:

Accepted Answer

They allow for the formation of water's unique properties and stabilize macromolecular structures

Question 10

Which term describes a molecule that has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions?

Accepted Answer

Amphipathic

Question 11

In the chemical reaction $$C_6H_{12}O_6$ + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O$$, which are the reactants?

Accepted Answer

$$C_6H_{12}O_6$ and 6O_2$

Question 12

Which statement best defines a catalyst?

Accepted Answer

A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy, without being consumed

Question 13

Which process involves the removal of water to join two monomers?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis

Question 14

How does activation energy relate to enzyme function in biochemical reactions?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy, allowing reactions to proceed faster

Question 15

Which of the following reactions is endergonic?

Accepted Answer

The synthesis of proteins from amino acids

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a building block of the four main biomolecule groups?

Accepted Answer

Steroids for nucleic acids

Question 17

Which type of bond links monosaccharides in carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

Glycosidic bond

Question 18

Which statement correctly compares deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides?

Accepted Answer

Deoxyribonucleotides have a hydrogen at the 2' carbon, while ribonucleotides have a hydroxyl group at the 2' carbon

Question 19

How does saturation affect the physical properties of lipids?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated lipids have double bonds, causing kinks that make them liquid at room temperature

Question 20

Which level of protein structure is defined by the sequence of amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Primary structure

From Atoms to Macromolecules: Foundations for Microbiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions