Question 1

Which process is responsible for assembling polymers from monomers in living cells, and what is the chemical change that occurs during this process?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration reaction; a water molecule is removed to form a bond

Question 2

A scientist is studying a polymer that is made up of many identical monomers joined by covalent bonds. Which of the following best describes this polymer?

Accepted Answer

It is a chain-like molecule formed by covalent bonds between monomers

Question 3

During digestion, the breakdown of starch into glucose involves which chemical process, and what is the role of water in this reaction?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis; water is added to break the bond

Question 4

Which of the following statements about enzymes in the synthesis and breakdown of polymers is correct?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes are specialized macromolecules that speed up chemical reactions

Question 5

Which of the following is the general molecular formula for a monosaccharide such as glucose?

Accepted Answer

$$C_6H_{12}O_6$

Question 6

A patient is unable to digest lactose due to a deficiency in the enzyme lactase. Which type of molecule is lactose?

Accepted Answer

A disaccharide

Question 7

Which bond is formed between two monosaccharides during the synthesis of a disaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Glycosidic bond

Question 8

Which polysaccharide is the main storage form of glucose in animals, and how does its structure differ from plant starch?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen; it is highly branched compared to plant starch

Question 9

Which of the following polysaccharides is composed of unbranched chains of glucose and cannot be digested by humans?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 10

A biologist discovers a polysaccharide in the exoskeleton of insects that contains nitrogen. What is this polysaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Chitin

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why humans cannot digest cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Humans lack enzymes to hydrolyze $$\beta-$$glycosidic linkages

Question 12

Which of the following is a structural difference between starch and cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Starch is made of $$\alpha-$$glucose monomers; cellulose is made of $$\beta-$$glucose monomers

Question 13

Which polysaccharide is most highly branched and serves as a rapid energy source in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding the energy changes during polymer synthesis and breakdown?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration reactions require energy; hydrolysis releases energy

Question 15

A researcher is analyzing a carbohydrate with the formula $$C_5H_{10}O_5$. Which class of monosaccharide does this molecule belong to?

Accepted Answer

Pentose

Question 16

Which functional groups are present in all monosaccharides, and how do they contribute to the properties of these molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbonyl and hydroxyl groups; they make sugars soluble and reactive

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct description of amylose?

Accepted Answer

An unbranched chain of glucose monomers

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of hydrogen bonding in cellulose?

Accepted Answer

It provides strength and rigidity to plant cell walls

Question 19

A student mixes glucose and fructose in a test tube and observes the formation of sucrose. Which type of reaction has occurred, and what is the byproduct?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration reaction; water is produced

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of a polysaccharide providing structural support?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose in plant cell walls

Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules: Polymers and Carbohydrates

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