Question 1

Which property of carbon allows it to form such a wide variety of molecules essential for life?

Accepted Answer

It can form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes an isomer?

Accepted Answer

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structures.

Question 3

Ethanol and dimethyl ether both have the formula $$\mathrm{C_2H_6O}. $$What type of isomers are they?

Accepted Answer

Structural isomers

Question 4

Which functional group is represented by the structure $$\mathrm{–SH}$$?

Accepted Answer

Sulfhydryl group

Question 5

A molecule with the formula $$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$}$$ can exist as both glucose and fructose. What does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

The existence of structural isomers

Question 6

Which of the following statements about geometric isomers is correct?

Accepted Answer

They have the same covalent partnerships but differ in spatial arrangement around a double bond.

Question 7

Which of the following is a real-life example of enantiomers?

Accepted Answer

Left and right hands

Question 8

Which functional group is found in all amino acids and is essential for peptide bond formation?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$\mathrm{–COOH})$$

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why unsaturated fatty acids are liquid at room temperature while saturated fatty acids are solid?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds that create kinks, preventing tight packing.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a common functional group found in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Nitro group

Question 11

A patient is found to have a genetic disorder that prevents the formation of disulfide bridges in proteins. Which functional group is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Sulfhydryl group

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Fats are constructed from glycerol and fatty acids.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between ribose and deoxyribose?

Accepted Answer

Ribose has one more oxygen atom than deoxyribose.

Question 14

Which of the following is a polysaccharide composed of glucose monomers with $$\alpha-1$$,4 linkages?

Accepted Answer

Starch

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why cellulose cannot be digested by humans?

Accepted Answer

Humans lack the enzyme to break $$\beta-1$$,4 glycosidic bonds.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about functional groups?

Accepted Answer

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the relationship between glucose and galactose?

Accepted Answer

They are stereoisomers (diastereomers).

Question 18

Which of the following functional groups is most likely to act as an acid in aqueous solution?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$\mathrm{–COOH})$$

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why carbon is found in all major classes of biomolecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form stable covalent bonds with many elements, allowing for a diversity of molecular structures.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between cis- and trans- geometric isomers?

Accepted Answer

Cis isomers have functional groups on the same side of a double bond, while trans isomers have them on opposite sides.

Carbon: The Backbone of Life and Its Chemical Diversity

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