Biology Chapter 2: Water and Macromolecules

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Questions and Answers

Which property of water is primarily responsible for its ability to act as a solvent for many biological molecules?

Density

Surface tension

Polarity (correct)

High specific heat

What role does carbon play in the structure of macromolecules in living organisms?

It is a core element in forming diverse organic compounds. (correct)

It serves as a secondary energy source.

It acts solely as a catalyst in chemical reactions.

It forms ionic bonds with other elements.

What is the significance of pH in biological systems?

It regulates the temperature of living cells.

It primarily influences the molecular weight of substances.

It has no impact on the functioning of organisms.

It affects enzyme activity and metabolic reactions. (correct)

Which property of water contributes to its high specific heat capacity?

Hydrogen bonding Signup and view all the answers

How do carbohydrates function in living organisms?

They provide immediate energy and structural support. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following compounds is a result of carbon's versatile bonding capabilities?

Nucleic acids Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of water enables it to have a high surface tension?

Strong hydrogen bonding among water molecules Signup and view all the answers

In terms of biological significance, why is carbon considered a foundational element of life?

It can create stable, long chains and diverse structures. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is not classified as essential to life?

Gold Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of chlorophyll related to its atomic structure?

It absorbs light for photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates isotopes of an element from one another?

The number of neutrons Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the time it takes for a radioactive isotope to decay to a stable form?

Half-Life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between structure and function at the microscopic level?

The arrangement of atoms impacts the properties and functions of molecules. Signup and view all the answers

Which atomic particles primarily determine an atom's chemical behavior?

Electrons Signup and view all the answers

All of the following are properties of water that support life EXCEPT:

Low boiling point Signup and view all the answers

Which element's atomic number is considered vital for forming biological molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids?

Carbon Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the significance of the cell theory?

Cells are able to perform all functions necessary for life. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of molecules in biological systems?

They hold chemical units called atoms together. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an organ from a tissue in biological systems?

An organ is a structure with specific functions formed by various tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the arrangement of DNA in human cells?

DNA is organized into chromosomes arranged in pairs. Signup and view all the answers

How does water's property as a polar molecule contribute to its biological significance?

It enables water to act as a solvent for many biological reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the hierarchy of biological organization?

Cells form tissues, which in turn form organs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental significance of carbon in biological systems?

Carbon forms the backbone of most biological molecules. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about emergent properties in biological systems is correct?

Emergent properties reflect functions that are not present at lower levels of organization. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

BIOL 1111 - Concepts in Biology I

BIOL 1111 covers basic human biology, starting with atoms and biochemistry, then progressing to the immune system.
The course spans 2 to November 25.
The course covers Chapters 1-34 of the textbook.
Finals are scheduled for December 4-16.

Introductory Notes

The course begins with the fundamental components of a human being, atoms.
The course emphasizes basic biochemistry, including the impact of biological science on human health (vaccines, treatments, and diseases).
Students should expect a lot of preliminary biochemistry.

Chapter 1 – Introduction to Biology

Cells are considered the basic unit of life.
The seven characteristics of life are covered.

Key Facts/Biological Concepts

Right-handed people don't live longer than left-handed people.
The brain uses 20% of the oxygen in your bloodstream (TRUE).
Hair and fingernail growth do not continue after death.
Reading in dim light does not ruin eyesight (although it may strain your eyes and cause headaches).
It takes more muscles to smile than to frown, 1-2 more muscles.
Eating turkey makes people drowsy because of tryptophan, an amino acid converted to melatonin, the sleep hormone.
The average person farts 14 times a day (TRUE).
Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor, but not direct ancestors.
It takes 7 years for chewing gum to digest (FALSE).
Sharks do not get cancer, though rarely (FALSE).
Waking sleepwalkers can harm them (FALSE).
Antibiotics do not cure the common cold, as they are ineffective against viruses. (TRUE).
Vitamin C does not prevent the common cold or flu.
You can get warts from touching a toad (FALSE).
The human body is estimated to have 60,000 miles of blood vessels.
Sneezes are usually less than 100 mph.
The brain itself cannot feel pain (TRUE).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the properties of water and its significance in biological systems, as well as the role of carbon in macromolecules. This quiz covers essential concepts such as pH, specific heat capacity, and the characteristics that make carbon a foundational element of life. Dive into the fascinating interactions that sustain living organisms.