Question 1

Which of the following best describes an organic compound?

Accepted Answer

A substance containing both hydrogen and carbon

Question 2

Which of the following statements about water is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Liquid water is more dense than ice, allowing ice to float.

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the dissociation of water?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{H}^+ + \mathrm{OH}^-$$

Question 4

A solution has a pH of 4. What does this indicate about the solution?

Accepted Answer

It is acidic and has a high concentration of hydrogen ions ($$\mathrm{H}^+)$$

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

They keep the pH relatively constant by taking up excess $$\mathrm{H}^+ or$$ $$\mathrm{OH}^-$$ ions.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct statement about essential amino acids?

Accepted Answer

They must be supplied in the diet because the body cannot produce them.

Question 7

Which of the following is the correct general formula for a carbohydrate?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C}_n\mathrm{H}_{2n}\mathrm{O}_n$$

Question 8

Which of the following is a polysaccharide found in plant cell walls that provides structural support?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 9

A triglyceride is formed from which combination of molecules?

Accepted Answer

One glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why oils are liquid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

They are composed of unsaturated fatty acids with double bonds.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The association of more than one protein molecule to form a functional unit

Question 13

Which of the following reactions represents the formation of a salt and water from an acid and a base?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{HCl} + \mathrm{NaOH} \rightarrow \mathrm{NaCl} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}$$

Question 14

A soap is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A compound formed from a fatty acid and an inorganic base

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the pH scale?

Accepted Answer

Each pH unit represents a 10-fold difference in hydrogen ion concentration.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a monosaccharide and its source?

Accepted Answer

Glucose – primary energy source for the body

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the human body requires a daily supply of essential amino acids?

Accepted Answer

The body cannot synthesize essential amino acids, so they must be obtained from food.

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of steroids?

Accepted Answer

They are composed of four fused carbon rings with different functional groups.

Question 19

A patient is diagnosed with a blood pH of 7.2. Which of the following best describes their condition?

Accepted Answer

They have acidosis, with excess hydrogen ions.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds; unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.

The Chemistry of Life: Foundations for Organic Chemistry

Study Guide - Practice Questions