Biology Test: The Chemical Basis Of Life
Questions and Answers
- 1.
You do not need to complete this table.
- 2.
Based on your answer to question 15, diagram an oxygen atom on a separate sheet of paper. Indicatea) what type of subatomic particles are in the nucleus (1 pt), and how many of each (1 pt), andb) which energy levels the electrons are in (1 pt).
- 3.
Is oxygen a reactive element? (1 pt) Why or why not? (1 pt)
- 4.
Define molecule in your own words. (1pt)
- 5.
Explain the difference between ionic and covalent bonds (1pt).
- 6.
Name one trace element. (1 pt) Describe its importance in the human body. (1pt)
- 7.
We've defined life as something that grows, reproduces, responds to stimuli, maintains homeostasis, uses energy, and adapts over time. Are atoms alive? Explain your answer. (1 pt)
- 8.
Describe the general relationship between monomers and polymers. (1pt)
- 9.
Name the two types of polysaccharides found in plants and describe the function of each. (1 pt each)
- 10.
What is a polypeptide chain? (1 pt)
- 11.
The most abundant elements in most living things are . . .
- A.
Oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
- B.
Oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
- C.
Oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and calcium.
- D.
Oxygen, carbon, sodium, and nitrogen.
Correct Answer
A. Oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.Explanation
The most abundant elements in most living things are oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. These elements are essential for the structure and function of biological molecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Oxygen is necessary for respiration and energy production, carbon is the backbone of organic molecules, hydrogen is involved in bonding and chemical reactions, and nitrogen is a key component of proteins and nucleic acids. Together, these elements make up the majority of the composition of living organisms.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Can humans see individual atoms?
- A.
Yes, with the naked eye.
- B.
Yes, with a regular light microscope right here at BUHS.
- C.
Kind of, if we bounce electrons off of them in the world's most expensive, complex microscopes.
- D.
No, atoms are just imaginary things made up by science teachers.
Correct Answer
C. Kind of, if we bounce electrons off of them in the world's most expensive, complex microscopes.Explanation
The correct answer is "Kind of, if we bounce electrons off of them in the world's most expensive, complex microscopes." This answer explains that although humans cannot see individual atoms with the naked eye or a regular light microscope, it is possible to observe them using advanced microscopes that utilize electron scattering techniques. These microscopes are highly sophisticated and expensive, allowing scientists to indirectly visualize atoms by studying the patterns formed when electrons interact with them.Rate this question:
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- 13.
There are 118 known elements, and the atoms of 111 of these react with other atoms. Why?
- A.
They need to balance the number of protons and electrons that they have.
- B.
They need to balance the number of protons and neutrons that they have.
- C.
They need to reduce the number of subatomic particles that they have.
- D.
They need to get a full outer energy level of electrons.
Correct Answer
D. They need to get a full outer energy level of electrons.Explanation
Atoms react with other atoms in order to achieve a full outer energy level of electrons. This is because atoms are most stable when their outer energy level is filled with electrons. By reacting with other atoms, they can either gain or lose electrons to achieve this stable configuration. This process allows atoms to achieve a more balanced state by balancing the number of protons and electrons they have, ensuring that they have a complete outer energy level.Rate this question:
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- 14.
In chemical reactions, atoms are . . .
- A.
Rearranged--thanks to bonding.
- B.
Created--brought into existence.
- C.
Destroyed--removed from existence.
Correct Answer
A. Rearranged--thanks to bonding.Explanation
In chemical reactions, atoms undergo rearrangement due to bonding. This means that the atoms involved in the reaction form new bonds with each other, resulting in a rearrangement of their positions within the molecules or compounds. Bonding plays a crucial role in this process as it allows atoms to form stable arrangements by sharing or transferring electrons. Therefore, the correct answer is "rearranged--thanks to bonding."Rate this question:
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- 15.
The general term for the atoms and/or molecules that enter into a chemical reaction is . . .
- A.
Reactants.
- B.
Dependent variables.
- C.
Products.
- D.
Valence electrons.
Correct Answer
A. Reactants.Explanation
In a chemical reaction, reactants are the atoms and/or molecules that undergo a change to form new substances called products. Reactants are the starting materials of a chemical reaction and are typically written on the left side of a chemical equation. They are the substances that are consumed or used up during the reaction, while products are the new substances that are formed. Dependent variables refer to the variables that are being measured or observed in an experiment, and valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom that participate in chemical bonding. Therefore, the correct answer is reactants.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Looking at the Periodic Table, which pair of atoms is most likely to react with each other?
- A.
He and K (helium and potassium) to form HeK
- B.
Ar and F (argon and fluorine) to form ArF
- C.
Br and At (bromine and astatine) to form BrAt
- D.
O and Mg (oxygen and magnesium) to form OMg
Correct Answer
D. O and Mg (oxygen and magnesium) to form OMgExplanation
Oxygen and magnesium are most likely to react with each other because they are close to each other on the periodic table. Oxygen is a highly electronegative element and magnesium is a highly electropositive element. This means that oxygen has a strong tendency to gain electrons while magnesium has a strong tendency to lose electrons. This creates a favorable condition for the transfer of electrons from magnesium to oxygen, resulting in the formation of a stable compound, OMg.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Water molecules are polar, with the . . .
- A.
Oxygen side being slightly negative and the hydrogen side being slightly positive.
- B.
Oxygen and hydrogen sides being slightly positive.
- C.
Oxygen side being slightly positive and hydrogen side being slightly negative.
- D.
Oxygen and hydrogen sides being slightly negative.
Correct Answer
A. Oxygen side being slightly negative and the hydrogen side being slightly positive.Explanation
Water molecules are made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The oxygen atom has a higher electronegativity, meaning it attracts electrons more strongly than the hydrogen atoms. As a result, the oxygen atom pulls the shared electrons towards itself, creating a partial negative charge (δ-) on the oxygen side of the molecule. The hydrogen atoms, having less electronegativity, have a partial positive charge (δ+) on their side. This creates a polar molecule, with the oxygen side being slightly negative and the hydrogen side being slightly positive.Rate this question:
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- 18.
A water strider can walk on water but not oil because . . .
- A.
Bugs are less dense than water but more dense than oil.
- B.
Oil is deadly to all life.
- C.
Of surface tension caused by hydrogen bonds between the water molecules, that aren't found between the oil molecules.
- D.
Gravity is diluted by water, but not by oil.
Correct Answer
C. Of surface tension caused by hydrogen bonds between the water molecules, that aren't found between the oil molecules.Explanation
A water strider can walk on water but not oil because of surface tension caused by hydrogen bonds between the water molecules, that aren't found between the oil molecules. Surface tension is the property of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force and form a "skin" on its surface. Water molecules are attracted to each other through hydrogen bonding, which creates a strong surface tension. This allows the water strider's legs to distribute its weight and stay on the water's surface. Oil, on the other hand, lacks hydrogen bonding and therefore has a lower surface tension, making it unable to support the weight of the water strider.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Ice floats on water because . . .
- A.
Its molecules are less densely packed than those in liquid water.
- B.
Of adhesion.
- C.
Its molecule are more densely packed than those of liquid water.
- D.
Of cohesion.
Correct Answer
A. Its molecules are less densely packed than those in liquid water.Explanation
Ice floats on water because its molecules are less densely packed than those in liquid water. When water freezes and turns into ice, the water molecules arrange themselves in a hexagonal lattice structure, which creates open spaces or gaps between the molecules. This results in a decrease in the density of the ice compared to the liquid water. As a result, the ice becomes less dense and floats on top of the denser liquid water.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which of the following statements about non-polar molecules is false?
- A.
They share their electrons evenly.
- B.
They cannot form hydrogen bonds.
- C.
Since they don't form hydrogen bonds, they tend to heat up more slowly than water does.
- D.
They do not have positive and negative regions like polar molecules do.
Correct Answer
C. Since they don't form hydrogen bonds, they tend to heat up more slowly than water does.Explanation
Non-polar molecules do not form hydrogen bonds, which is true. However, the statement that they tend to heat up more slowly than water does is false. In fact, non-polar molecules heat up faster than water because they have weaker intermolecular forces, such as London dispersion forces, compared to the strong hydrogen bonds present in water. This results in non-polar molecules having lower boiling points and evaporating more easily than water.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Blast from the past! Imagine you want to study the effectiveness of giving a study guide to students, in order to see if it really helps them or not. You take two relatively equal biology classes, teach them the same material, and give them the same test. However, you only give one of the classes a study guide for the test. Which of these statements about this experiment is false?
- A.
The independent variable in the experiment is the study guide.
- B.
The dependent variable in the experiment is the performance of the students on the test.
- C.
The control in the experiment is the class that did not receive a study guide.
- D.
The data (average test grades on a 0-100 scale) is going to be qualitative.
Correct Answer
D. The data (average test grades on a 0-100 scale) is going to be qualitative.Explanation
The data (average test grades on a 0-100 scale) is going to be quantitative, not qualitative. Qualitative data refers to non-numerical information, such as descriptions or observations, while quantitative data refers to numerical information that can be measured or counted. In this case, the test grades are measured on a 0-100 scale, making it quantitative data.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The term for an atom that has gained or lost an electron and therefore become charged is a(n) . . .
- A.
Compound
- B.
Bond
- C.
Ion
- D.
Molecule
- E.
Acid
Correct Answer
C. IonExplanation
An ion is a term used to describe an atom that has gained or lost an electron, resulting in a positive or negative charge. This charge imbalance makes the atom an ion. Compounds, bonds, molecules, and acids do not specifically refer to atoms that have gained or lost electrons, so they are not the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 23.
A(n) _____________________________ is a bond between the slightly positive side of one molecule and the slightly negative side of another molecule.
- A.
Ionic bond
- B.
Covalent bond
- C.
Uneven bond
- D.
Hydrogen bond
- E.
Eternal bond
Correct Answer
D. Hydrogen bondExplanation
A hydrogen bond is a type of bond formed between the slightly positive side of one molecule and the slightly negative side of another molecule. This bond occurs when a hydrogen atom is attracted to an electronegative atom, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. The hydrogen bond is weaker than a covalent or ionic bond, but it still plays a crucial role in various biological and chemical processes, such as DNA replication and protein folding.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Based on the table above, how many protons does an oxygen atom have?
- A.
8
- B.
16
- C.
4
- D.
10
- E.
6
- F.
30
- G.
None
Correct Answer
A. 8Explanation
The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus. In this case, the correct answer is 8, which means that an oxygen atom has 8 protons.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Are individual organic macromolecules alive?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
Only if you feed them after midnight
Correct Answer
B. NoExplanation
Individual organic macromolecules are not alive because they do not possess the characteristics of life, such as the ability to grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, or undergo metabolism. While organic macromolecules are essential for life and are found in living organisms, they are not considered alive on their own. They serve as building blocks for cells and are involved in various biological processes, but they require a cellular environment to function and contribute to the overall life processes of an organism.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Which of the following sources provides the largest percentage of an average human's energy?
- A.
Proteins
- B.
Carbohydrates
- C.
Nucleic acids
- D.
Lipids
Correct Answer
B. CarbohydratesExplanation
Carbohydrates provide the largest percentage of an average human's energy. This is because carbohydrates are the body's primary source of fuel. When consumed, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is then used by the body for energy production. Carbohydrates are easily metabolized and provide a quick and efficient source of energy. Proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids also contribute to energy production, but carbohydrates are the main source due to their abundance in the human diet and their efficient conversion into usable energy.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Polysaccharides include . . .
- A.
Glucose, glycogen, and cellulose.
- B.
Starch, glucose, and cellulose.
- C.
Starch, glycogen, and carbohydrates.
- D.
Starch, glycogen, and cellulose.
Correct Answer
D. Starch, glycogen, and cellulose.Explanation
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made up of long chains of monosaccharides. Starch is a polysaccharide found in plants and serves as a storage form of glucose. Glycogen is a polysaccharide found in animals and serves as a storage form of glucose in the liver and muscles. Cellulose is a polysaccharide found in plant cell walls and provides structural support. Therefore, the correct answer is starch, glycogen, and cellulose as they are all examples of polysaccharides.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Which statement is true?
- A.
Simple sugars are made of polysaccharides.
- B.
Glycerol is made of fatty acids.
- C.
Polymers are made of monomers.
- D.
Amino acids are made of proteins.
Correct Answer
C. Polymers are made of monomers.Explanation
Polymers are made of monomers because polymers are large molecules composed of repeating subunits called monomers. These monomers are linked together through chemical bonds to form the polymer. This process is known as polymerization.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Amino acid is to protein as
- A.
Fat is to estrogen.
- B.
Glucose is to starch.
- C.
Protons are to electrons.
- D.
DNA is to carbon.
Correct Answer
B. Glucose is to starch.Explanation
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and when combined, they form protein molecules. Similarly, glucose is a monosaccharide and is the basic unit of starch, which is a complex carbohydrate. When glucose molecules are linked together, they form starch molecules. Therefore, the relationship between amino acid and protein is analogous to the relationship between glucose and starch.Rate this question:
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