AP Biology : Biochemical Concepts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Macromolecules

Which of the following terms is defined as the process by which water breaks polymers down into monomers?

Possible Answers:

Anabolic reaction

Condensation synthesis reaction

None of these

Hydrolysis

Correct answer:

Hydrolysis

Explanation:

Polymers are broken down into monomers via hydrolysis. Hydrolysis is the reverse of a condensation synthesis reaction. In hydrolysis, adding water molecules breaks the bonds between monomers. In this reaction polymers are broken down when the hydrogen of the water molecules attaches to one monomer and the hydroxyl attaches the next monomer.

Example Question #11 : Macromolecules

Which of the following best represent the building blocks of polymers?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Monomers

Unimers

Ions

Correct answer:

Monomers

Explanation:

Polymers are built up from monomers. Polymers are placed into different classes based on the different natures of the monomers that make up their structure.

Example Question #11 : Macromolecules

Carbohydrates are made up of which of the following subunits?

Possible Answers:

Sugars

Lipids

Amino acids

Fats

Correct answer:

Sugars

Explanation:

Carbohydrates are polymers formed from simple sugars. Amino acids form proteins. Lipids are another class of subunits that make up fats.

Example Question #11 : Understanding Carbohydrates

Which of the following best represents the smallest unit of carbohydrates?

Possible Answers:

Monosaccharides

None of these

Polysaccharides

Disaccharides

Correct answer:

Monosaccharides

Explanation:

Monosaccharides are the smallest unit of carbohydrates. A disaccharide is made up of two monosaccharides joined together. A string of monosaccharides linked together is a polysaccharide.

Example Question #11 : Macromolecules

Which of the following chemical formulas forms the base of monosaccharides?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

 is the base molecular formula for carbohydrates. Carbohydrates vary based on multiples of this formula (i.e.  is the formula for glucose).

Example Question #12 : Macromolecules

Identify the molecule that has the chemical formula:

 

Possible Answers:

Glucose

Fructose

Chitin 

Sucrose

Correct answer:

Glucose

Explanation:

 is the molecular formula for glucose. Most carbohydrates such as glucose and sucrose have a molecular formula that is a multiple of .

Example Question #11 : Macromolecules

Which of the following terms is best defined as a covalent bond formed between two monosaccharides by a dehydration reaction?

Possible Answers:

Covalent linkage

Saccharide linkage

Dehydration linkage

Glycosidic linkage

Correct answer:

Glycosidic linkage

Explanation:

A glycosidic linkage is defined as a covalent bond created by a dehydration reaction between two monosaccharides. The resulting product is called a disaccharide.

Example Question #11 : Macromolecules

Which of the following best describes how energy is stored during cellular respiration?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Sucrose

Lipids

Glucose

Correct answer:

Glucose

Explanation:

Energy is stored in the form of glucose. Cells, in turn, tap into glucose reserves to fuel cellular respiration. The carbon in glucose also serves as raw materials for the synthesis of other molecules such as amino acids.

Example Question #12 : Macromolecules

Which of the following is best described as two monosaccharides joined by a glycosidic linkage?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Disaccharide

Polysaccharide

Multisaccharide

Correct answer:

Disaccharide

Explanation:

When two monosaccharides connected together by a glycosidic linkage into a single unit, the product is called a disaccharide. Strings of monosaccharides linked together are called polysaccharides.

Example Question #11 : Understanding Carbohydrates

Which of the following macromolecules is found only in plants and is described as a polysaccharide consisting entirely of glucose molecules?

Possible Answers:

Starch

Chitin

Disaccharide

Glycogen

Correct answer:

Starch

Explanation:

Starch is a storage polysaccharide in plants. It is a polymer consisting solely of glucose. Glucose is a source of fuel for cells; therefore, starch is stored for energy.

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