Biochemistry Basics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between monosaccharides and disaccharides?

Monosaccharides are formed by the dehydration synthesis of two disaccharides, while disaccharides are not.

Disaccharides are composed of more than two simple sugars, while monosaccharides are composed of only one.

Monosaccharides are composed of more than two simple sugars, while disaccharides are composed of only one.

Disaccharides are formed by the dehydration synthesis of two monosaccharides, while monosaccharides are not. (correct)

What is the primary structure of a protein?

The association of multiple polypeptide chains to form a functional protein.

The three-dimensional shape of the protein, including interactions between side chains.

The folding of the polypeptide chain into alpha-helices or beta-sheets.

The sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a major function of proteins?

Storing genetic information. (correct)

Providing structural support for cells and tissues.

Catalysing biochemical reactions.

Transporting molecules across cell membranes.

What is the role of the R group in an amino acid?

It determines the amino acid's chemical properties and interactions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when a protein loses its shape and function due to changes in temperature or pH?

Denaturation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a disaccharide?

Sucrose (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a basic element found in proteins?

Phosphorus (P) (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between protein shape and function?

A protein's function is directly related to its shape, which is determined by the specific sequence of amino acids. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a pure (non-polar) covalent bond?

Electrons are shared equally between atoms. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements constitutes the highest percentage of the human body?

Oxygen (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of chemical bond involves the unequal sharing of electrons?

Polar covalent bond (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of enzymes in biological reactions?

Decrease activation energy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding inorganic and organic compounds is true?

Organic compounds contain carbon while inorganic do not. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of electrolysis in the body?

To dissolve substances in water and dissociate into ions (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about pH is correct?

Acids release hydrogen ions (H+) into the solution (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can result from an electrolyte imbalance due to a decrease in potassium levels?

General muscular paralysis (D) Signup and view all the answers

What defines a hydrophilic molecule?

Loves water and reacts with it (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does water contribute to maintaining homeostasis in the body?

By absorbing and retaining heat (D) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when an atom loses an electron?

It becomes a cation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bond is formed when electrons are shared unequally?

Polar covalent bond (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of surfactant in the lungs?

To decrease surface tension. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to alveoli without surfactant?

They collapse due to high surface tension. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How many days can an average adult survive without water?

8-14 days (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which property of water is related to its ability to dissolve a solute?

Solubility (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of high surface tension in the lungs?

It can cause respiratory distress. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is formed when an atom gains an electron?

An anion (C) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when there is an excess of H+ ions in body fluids?

Damages cells and alters proteins (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicates a high pH in the body?

Excess OH- ions (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH range of normal human blood?

7.35 - 7.45 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are buffers primarily used for in the body?

To resist pH changes (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents an inorganic compound?

H2SO4 (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of molecule is characterized by having carbon bonded to hydrogen?

Organic compounds (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following functional groups allows molecules to interact with others?

Functional groups (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of carbohydrates in the body?

Serving as a source of energy (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chemical Level of Organization Part 1

Water properties in aqueous solutions are described
Concentration and osmolarity concepts are discussed
Enzymatic activity and activation energy are reviewed
Inorganic and organic compounds are differentiated
The role of pH in physiology is explained
Macromolecules and their functions are detailed, and various types are classified
Cellular respiration steps are outlined

Four Properties of Water

Solubility: Water dissolves solutes to form solutions. (e.g., sugar in water)
Reactivity: Most body chemistry occurs in water. DNA structure is maintained in water.
High Heat Capacity: Water absorbs and retains heat, maintaining homeostasis.
Lubrication: Water moistens and reduces friction, (e.g., in joints)

Molecules and Water

Hydrophilic: Molecules that react with water (water-loving)
Hydrophobic: Molecules that do not react with water (water-fearing)

Electrolytes

Substances that can dissolve in water and dissociate into ions.
Electrolyte imbalances disrupt vital body functions (e.g., potassium imbalance causing muscle cramps, sodium imbalance affecting nerve conduction).
Specific electrolytes (NaCl, KCl, CaPO4, NaHCO₃) and their released ions (Na+, K+, Cl−, Ca²+, PO₄²⁻, HCO₃⁻) are listed.

Importance of Electrolytes

Potassium (K+) is crucial for normal body function, and imbalances can cause significant health issues (e.g., muscle paralysis when low, weak and irregular heartbeats when high.)
Electrolyte homeostasis means maintaining the correct balance of electrolytes.
Kidneys play a significant role in electrolyte excretion and retention.

pH and Buffers

pH is the relative concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH−) in a solution
Neutral pH is 7.0 (pure water)
Acidic pH is below 7.0 (high H+ concentration, low OH− )
Basic pH is above 7.0 (low H+ concentration, high OH−)
Buffers are chemicals that resist pH changes by neutralizing either strong acids or bases.

Acids and Bases

Acid: Electrolyte that dissociates to release hydrogen ions (H+).
Base: Substance that releases ions that combine with hydrogen ions.

pH Scale

pH has an inverse relationship with hydrogen ion (H+) concentration; higher H+ ions mean lower pH, and less H+ ions mean higher pH.
More hydroxide ions (OH−) ions mean higher pH, and less OH− ions mean lower pH
Blood pH is maintained between 7.35-7.45

Acidosis and Alkalosis

Acidosis: Excess H+ ions in body fluid, lowering body pH
Alkalosis: Excess OH− ions in body fluid, raising body pH

pH Homeostasis

Buffers resist pH changes, neutralizing strong acids or bases. Weak acids and salts are common buffers

Organic and Inorganic Molecules

Organic Molecules: Contain carbon (C) bonded to hydrogen (H). Often forms hydrocarbon chains.
Inorganic Molecules: Usually do not contain C and H as primary structure.
Examples of inorganic molecules: Water (H₂O), Oxygen (O₂), Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

Macromolecules

Carbohydrates: Hydrophilic organic molecules, broken down for energy.
Proteins: Abundant and essential organic molecules, made of amino acids
Lipids (Fats): Major component of cell membranes and energy stores
Nucleic Acids: Carry genetic information (DNA, RNA).

Carbohydrates: Starches & Sugars

Hydrophilic organic molecules
Broken down to provide energy

Monosaccharides and Disaccharides

Monosaccharides: Simple sugars with 3-7 carbon atoms. Examples: glucose, galactose
Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides condensed by dehydration synthesis, forming a bond, releasing water molecule. Examples: sucrose (glucose + fructose)

Polysaccharides

Chains of many simple sugars (e.g., glycogen). "Poly" means many.

Protein Structure

Proteins: Most abundant and important organic molecules.
Basic elements: Carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N)
Basic building blocks: 20 amino acids

Protein Functions

7 major protein functions: Support, movement, transport, buffering (metabolic regulation), coordination (hormones), defense (antibodies)

Amino Acids

Structure: Central carbon atom, hydrogen atom, amino group (-NH₂), carboxyl group (-COOH), and a variable side chain (R group).

Peptides

Form peptide bonds by dehydration synthesis. The bond forms between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another amino acid, removing a water molecule

Shape and Function of Proteins

Protein function depends on structure
Protein shape is due to the sequence of amino acids.
Denaturation: Loss of shape and function due to heat or pH changes.

Protein Structure Levels

Primary structure: Linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide.
Secondary structure: Hydrogen bonds create spirals (alpha-helices) or pleats (beta-sheets).
Tertiary structure: Folding of the secondary structure into a unique 3D shape.
Quaternary structure: Combining of multiple polypeptide chains.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of biochemistry with this quiz covering topics such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, and protein structure. Assess your understanding of chemical bonds, enzyme functions, and the roles of various elements in biological systems.