Question 1

Which property of carbon most directly contributes to the diversity of organic molecules found in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Its ability to form four covalent bonds with other atoms

Question 2

A molecule with the formula $$C_5H_{12}$$ can exist as both pentane and 2-methylbutane. These two molecules are examples of which type of isomer?

Accepted Answer

Structural isomers

Question 3

Which functional group is responsible for the acidic properties of acetic acid, the molecule that gives vinegar its sour taste?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-COOH)$$

Question 4

Why are enantiomers of a drug often biologically distinct in their effects?

Accepted Answer

They are mirror images and only one form may fit the active site of a biological molecule

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a hydrocarbon?

Accepted Answer

A molecule containing only carbon and hydrogen

Question 6

A carbon atom forms a double bond with another carbon atom. What is the resulting geometry around each carbon atom involved in the double bond?

Accepted Answer

Trigonal planar

Question 7

Which functional group is most likely to be involved in the formation of a disulfide bridge that stabilizes protein structure?

Accepted Answer

Sulfhydryl group ($$-SH)$$

Question 8

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is an important molecule in cellular processes because it:

Accepted Answer

Stores energy in its phosphate bonds and releases it upon hydrolysis

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the methyl group ($$-CH_3$) is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is nonpolar and affects gene expression when attached to DNA

Question 10

A molecule contains both a carbonyl group ($$\u003eC=O) $$and a hydroxyl group ($$-OH) $$attached to the same carbon atom. What is the name of this functional group?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why hydrocarbons are a major component of fats and serve as an energy source?

Accepted Answer

They contain many nonpolar covalent bonds that store large amounts of energy

Question 12

Which of the following functional groups is most likely to be found in a molecule that acts as a base by accepting a hydrogen ion ($$H^+$$)?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($$-NH_2$)

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about cis-trans isomers?

Accepted Answer

They differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms around a double bond

Question 14

A researcher discovers a new organic molecule with the formula $$C_3H_6O. It $$contains a carbonyl group located at the end of the carbon chain. What type of compound is this?

Accepted Answer

Aldehyde

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the phosphate group in ATP?

Accepted Answer

It contributes negative charge and allows ATP to participate in energy transfer reactions

Question 16

Which of the following statements about the structure of carbon is correct?

Accepted Answer

Carbon has four valence electrons and forms four covalent bonds

Question 17

Which functional group is most likely to increase the solubility of an organic molecule in water?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group ($$-OH)$$

Question 18

A molecule with the formula $$C_2H_6O$$ can be either ethanol or dimethyl ether. What type of isomerism does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Structural isomerism

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why only one enantiomer of a drug is usually biologically active?

Accepted Answer

Biological receptors are themselves chiral and only recognize one enantiomer

Question 20

Which of the following functional groups is found in all amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-COOH) $$and amino group ($$-NH_2$)

Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards