Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes an isotope?

Accepted Answer

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Question 2

A sodium atom (Na) loses one electron to become Na+. What type of ion is formed and why?

Accepted Answer

A cation, because it loses a negative charge.

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why water is a good solvent for polar substances?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules have polar covalent bonds, allowing them to interact with other polar molecules.

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents a dehydration synthesis reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$C_6H_{12}O_6$ + C_6H_{12}O_6$ \rightarrow C$$_{12}$$H_{22}O$$_{11} + H_2O$

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of buffers in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Buffers stabilize pH by absorbing or releasing $$H^+$$ ions.

Question 6

A solution has a pH of 3. Which of the following statements is true about this solution?

Accepted Answer

It is acidic and has a high concentration of $$H^+$$ ions.

Question 7

Which of the following bonds is responsible for the primary structure of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Peptide bonds

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct comparison between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids contain double bonds, introducing kinks and making them liquid at room temperature.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes an amphipathic molecule?

Accepted Answer

A molecule with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions.

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of carbohydrates in cells?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support, energy storage, and cell recognition

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between DNA and RNA nucleotides?

Accepted Answer

DNA nucleotides contain deoxyribose and thymine, while RNA nucleotides contain ribose and uracil.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a polar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond where electrons are shared unequally, creating partial charges.

Question 13

Which of the following is true about exergonic reactions?

Accepted Answer

They release more energy than is required to start the reaction.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-life example of a buffer system in the human body?

Accepted Answer

The bicarbonate buffer system maintaining blood pH

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the tertiary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain.

Question 16

Which of the following bonds links nucleotides together in nucleic acids?

Accepted Answer

Phosphodiester bonds

Question 17

A patient is given a radioactive isotope for imaging. Which property of isotopes is being utilized in this medical application?

Accepted Answer

Radioactive isotopes decay and emit energy that can be detected by imaging equipment.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of chaperone proteins?

Accepted Answer

They assist in the proper folding of other proteins.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct example of an exchange reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$BaCl_2 + Na_2SO_4$$ \rightarrow $$BaSO_4 + 2$$NaCl$$

Chapter 2: Biochemistry Basics for Microbiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions