Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

An element is a pure substance made of only one kind of atom, while a compound consists of molecules containing more than one kind of atom.

Question 2

A sodium atom (Na) loses one electron to become Na$$^+. $$What type of bond will it most likely form with a chlorine atom (Cl) that gains an electron to become Cl$$^-$$?

Accepted Answer

Ionic bond

Question 3

Which of the following statements about water is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Water is an organic compound essential to life.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why table salt (NaCl) dissolves easily in water?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules are polar and can surround and separate the positive and negative ions in NaCl.

Question 5

A solution has a pH of 4. Which of the following statements is correct?

Accepted Answer

The solution is acidic and has a higher concentration of H$$^+$$ ions than OH$$^-$$ ions.

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of cholesterol in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Stabilizing the phospholipid tails in cellular membranes

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis builds larger molecules by removing water, while hydrolysis breaks down molecules by adding water.

Question 8

Which of the following organic molecules is correctly matched with its function?

Accepted Answer

Proteins – act as enzymes and structural components

Question 9

A buffer system in the blood helps maintain a stable pH. What is the primary function of a buffer?

Accepted Answer

To absorb excess acids or bases and prevent drastic changes in pH

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the structure of a phospholipid and its importance in cells?

Accepted Answer

A phospholipid has a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails, allowing it to form bilayers that make up cell membranes.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a nucleic acid and its function?

Accepted Answer

DNA – stores the master code for assembling proteins

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why enzymes are considered 'lock-and-key' catalysts?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes have specific shapes that fit only particular substrate molecules, allowing them to catalyze specific reactions.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about covalent bonds is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Question 14

Which of the following is a polysaccharide stored by the human body for energy?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 15

A patient is found to have a blood pH of 7.2. Which of the following best describes their condition?

Accepted Answer

The patient is experiencing mild acidosis.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

ATP stores and transfers energy for cellular processes.

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic of organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

They contain carbon-carbon and/or carbon-hydrogen covalent bonds.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why proteins can have such diverse functions in the body?

Accepted Answer

Proteins are made of 20 different amino acids that can be arranged in many sequences and shapes.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the relationship between DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA serves as the master code, while RNA acts as a temporary working copy of a gene.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-life example of an electrolyte in the human body, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Sodium chloride (NaCl); it dissociates in water to form ions that help conduct electrical signals in nerves and muscles.

Chemistry of Life: Foundations for Anatomy & Physiology

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