1.
Which term most precisely describes the cellular process of breaking down large molecules into
smaller ones?
Correct Answer
D. Catabolism
Explanation
Catabolism is the correct answer because it specifically refers to the cellular process of breaking down larger molecules into smaller ones. Anabolism, on the other hand, is the opposite process of building larger molecules from smaller ones. Dehydration and catalysis do not accurately describe the process of breaking down molecules. Metabolism is a broader term that encompasses all the chemical reactions in an organism, including both anabolism and catabolism.
2.
Which of the following is (are) true for anabolic pathways?
Correct Answer
A. They consume energy to build up polymers from monomers.
Explanation
Anabolic pathways involve the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, such as building polymers from monomers. This process requires energy input, usually in the form of ATP, to drive the chemical reactions. Enzymes are essential in anabolic pathways to catalyze and regulate the reactions, so the statement that anabolic pathways do not depend on enzymes is incorrect. The statement that anabolic pathways release energy as they degrade polymers to monomers is also incorrect, as this describes catabolic pathways. Anabolic reactions are typically not highly spontaneous, as they require an input of energy to proceed.
3.
Which of the following is a statement of the first law of thermodynamics?
Correct Answer
E. Energy cannot be created nor destroyed
Explanation
The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of conservation of energy, states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed, but it can only be transferred or transformed from one form to another. This means that the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant.
4.
For living organisms, which of the following is an important consequence of the first law of
thermodynamics?
Correct Answer
A. The organism ultimately must obtain all of the necessary energy for life from its environment.
Explanation
The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. This means that living organisms cannot create energy, but rather must obtain it from their environment. This is because energy is required for various life processes such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism. Therefore, the correct answer is that the organism ultimately must obtain all of the necessary energy for life from its environment.
5.
Living organisms increase in complexity as they grow, resulting in a decrease in the entropy of an
organism. How does this relate to the second law of thermodynamics?
Correct Answer
C. As a consequence of growing, organisms create more disorder in their environment than the
6.
Whenever energy is transformed, there is always an increase in the
Correct Answer
D. Entropy of the universe
Explanation
Whenever energy is transformed, the overall entropy of the universe increases. This is because energy transformations tend to increase the disorder or randomness in the system, leading to an increase in entropy. The concept of entropy is closely related to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the entropy of an isolated system always increases over time. Therefore, the correct answer is entropy of the universe.
7.
Which of the following statements is a logical consequence of the second law of thermodynamics?
Correct Answer
A. Every chemical reaction must increase the total entropy of the universe.
Explanation
The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of an isolated system will always increase over time. Entropy can be thought of as a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. Since chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms and molecules, they can lead to an increase in the overall disorder of the system, resulting in an increase in entropy. Therefore, it is a logical consequence of the second law of thermodynamics that every chemical reaction must increase the total entropy of the universe.
8.
Which of the following statements is representative of the second law of thermodynamics?
Correct Answer
D. Cells require a constant input of energy to maintain their high level of organisation.
Explanation
The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of an isolated system always increases over time. This means that without an input of energy, the entropy of a system will tend to increase. In the context of the given options, the statement "Cells require a constant input of energy to maintain their high level of organization" is representative of the second law of thermodynamics because it implies that cells need energy to counteract the tendency towards increasing entropy and maintain their organized state.
9.
Which of the following types of reactions would decrease the entropy within a cell?
Correct Answer
C. Dehydation reaction
Explanation
A dehydration reaction involves the removal of water molecules to form a larger molecule. This process leads to a decrease in the number of molecules within the cell, resulting in a decrease in entropy. Therefore, a dehydration reaction would decrease the entropy within a cell.
10.
The organisation of organisms has become increasingly complex with time. This statement
Correct Answer
C. Is consistent with the second law of thermodynamics.
Explanation
The statement suggests that the organization of organisms has become more complex over time, which aligns with the second law of thermodynamics. This law states that the entropy, or disorder, of a closed system tends to increase over time. As organisms are considered closed systems, their increasing complexity implies a decrease in entropy, which is consistent with the second law of thermodynamics.
11.
Which of the following is an example of potential rather than kinetic energy?
Correct Answer
C. A food molecule made up of energy-rich macromolecules
Explanation
A food molecule made up of energy-rich macromolecules is an example of potential energy rather than kinetic energy. Potential energy refers to stored energy that has the potential to be converted into kinetic energy. In this case, the food molecule contains energy that can be released and converted into kinetic energy when it is metabolized by an organism. This potential energy is not currently being used or in motion, making it an example of potential energy.
12.
Which of the following is considered an open system?
Correct Answer
C. An organism
Explanation
An organism is considered an open system because it interacts with its environment, exchanging matter and energy. It takes in nutrients, releases waste, and constantly adjusts its internal processes to maintain homeostasis. In contrast, a sealed terrarium, food cooking in a pressure cooker, and liquid in a corked bottle are all closed systems because they do not exchange matter or energy with their surroundings.
13.
Which of the following is true of metabolism in its entirety?
Correct Answer
A. Metabolism is a property of organismal life
Explanation
Metabolism is a property of organismal life means that metabolism is a characteristic or attribute that is unique to living organisms. It refers to the set of chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life, including processes such as breaking down food for energy, synthesizing molecules, and eliminating waste. This statement implies that metabolism is a fundamental aspect of living organisms and is essential for their survival and functioning.
14.
Which of the following best describes the change in free energy in a system at chemical
equilibrium?
Correct Answer
E. No change
Explanation
At chemical equilibrium, the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate, resulting in a balance between the reactants and products. This means that the system has reached a state of minimum free energy, where there is no net change in the amount of reactants and products. Therefore, the correct answer is "No change."
15.
Which of the following is true for all exergonic reactions?
Correct Answer
A. The reaction proceeds with a net release of free energy.
Explanation
Exergonic reactions are characterized by a net release of free energy. This means that the products of the reaction have less energy than the reactants, resulting in a spontaneous release of energy. In other words, exergonic reactions release energy as they proceed, making them favorable and spontaneous. This is in contrast to endergonic reactions, which require an input of energy to proceed. Therefore, the statement "The reaction proceeds with a net release of free energy" accurately describes all exergonic reactions.
16.
Chemical equilibrium is relatively rare in living cells. Which of the following could be an example
of a reaction at chemical equilibrium in a cell?
Correct Answer
D. A chemical reaction in which both the reactants and products are only used in a metabolic
17.
A chemical reaction that has a positive G is correctly described as
Correct Answer
D. Endergonic
Explanation
A chemical reaction that has a positive ΔG is correctly described as endergonic. Endergonic reactions require an input of energy in order to proceed, meaning that the products have more free energy than the reactants. This is opposite to exergonic reactions, which release energy and have a negative ΔG. Therefore, endergonic reactions are not spontaneous and require an input of energy to occur.
18.
Which of the following best describes enthalpy (H)?
Correct Answer
D. The heat content of a chemical system
Explanation
Enthalpy (H) is a thermodynamic property that represents the heat content of a chemical system. It includes both the internal energy of the system and the work done by or on the system. It is a measure of the total energy of the system and is often used in chemical reactions to determine the heat exchange with the surroundings. Therefore, the correct answer is "the heat content of a chemical system".
19.
Why is ATP an important molecule in metabolism?
Correct Answer
A. It provides energy coupling between exergonic and endergonic reactions.
Explanation
ATP is an important molecule in metabolism because it provides energy coupling between exergonic and endergonic reactions. This means that it can transfer energy from reactions that release energy (exergonic) to reactions that require energy (endergonic). ATP achieves this through the hydrolysis of its terminal phosphate bond, which releases energy that can be used to drive other reactions. Therefore, all of the given statements are true and contribute to the importance of ATP in metabolism.
20.
When 10,000 molecules of ATP are hydrolyxed to ADP and Pi in a test tube, about twice as much
heat is liberated as when a cell hydrolyses the same amount of ATP. Which of the following is the
best explanation for this observation?
Correct Answer
A. Reactant and product concentrations are not the same
Explanation
The best explanation for the observation that more heat is liberated when 10,000 molecules of ATP are hydrolyzed in a test tube compared to a cell is that the reactant and product concentrations are not the same. This means that the concentration of ATP and its products, ADP and Pi, are different in the test tube compared to the cell. This difference in concentrations can affect the amount of heat released during the hydrolysis reaction.
21.
Which of the following is most similar in structure to ATP?
Correct Answer
B. An RNA nucleotide
Explanation
An RNA nucleotide is most similar in structure to ATP because both molecules contain a sugar (ribose in RNA nucleotide and ribose or deoxyribose in ATP), a nitrogenous base (adenine in both cases), and phosphate groups. Both ATP and RNA nucleotides are involved in energy transfer and storage in cells.
22.
What term is used to describe the transfer of free energy from catabolic pathways to anabolic
pathways?
Correct Answer
E. Energy coupling
Explanation
Energy coupling is the term used to describe the transfer of free energy from catabolic pathways to anabolic pathways. This process involves the use of ATP, which is produced during catabolism and then used as a source of energy for anabolism. Energy coupling allows for the efficient transfer and utilization of energy within the cell, ensuring that the energy released from catabolic reactions is harnessed and used to drive anabolic reactions.
23.
Which of the following statements is true concerning catabolic pathways?
Correct Answer
C. They are usually coupled with anabolic pathways to which they supply energy in the form of
24.
When chemical, transport, or mechanical work is done by an organism, what happens to the heat
generated?
Correct Answer
A. It is lost to the environment.
Explanation
When chemical, transport, or mechanical work is done by an organism, the heat generated is lost to the environment. This means that the heat is dissipated into the surrounding environment and does not contribute to any further energy storage or use within the organism.
25.
When ATP releases some energy, it also releases inorganic phosphate. What purpose does this
serve (if any) in the cell?
Correct Answer
D. It can be added to other molecules in order to activate them.
Explanation
When ATP releases inorganic phosphate, it can be added to other molecules in order to activate them. Inorganic phosphate can act as a phosphate group donor, which is necessary for many cellular processes. It can be added to molecules like proteins, enzymes, or other nucleotides to modify their structure or function. This phosphorylation process plays a crucial role in signal transduction, energy transfer, and regulation of cellular activities. Therefore, the release of inorganic phosphate by ATP serves the purpose of activating other molecules in the cell.
26.
What must be the difference (if any) between the structure of ATP and the structure of the
precursor of the A nucleotide in DNA and RNA?
Correct Answer
E. There is no difference.
Explanation
The correct answer is that there is no difference between the structure of ATP and the precursor of the A nucleotide in DNA and RNA. This means that the nitrogen-containing base, the number of phosphates, and the sugar molecule are all the same in both ATP and the precursor of the A nucleotide.
27.
Which of the following statements is (are) true about enzyme-catalysed reactions?
Correct Answer
B. The reaction is faster than the same reaction in the absence of the enzyme.
Explanation
Enzymes are biological catalysts that increase the rate of a chemical reaction. They do this by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Therefore, the statement "The reaction is faster than the same reaction in the absence of the enzyme" is true. Enzymes do not affect the direction of the reaction or the free energy change, so the other statements are not true.
28.
How can one increase the rate of a chemical reaction?
Correct Answer
D. Add a catalyst.
Explanation
Adding a catalyst can increase the rate of a chemical reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy. This lowers the energy barrier for the reaction to occur, allowing more reactant molecules to successfully collide and form products in a shorter amount of time. The catalyst itself is not consumed in the reaction and can be used repeatedly, making it an efficient way to increase the reaction rate.
29.
Sucrose is a disaccharide, composed of the monosaccharides glucose and fructose. The hydrolysis
of sucrose by the enzyme sucrase results in
Correct Answer
C. Breaking the bond between glucose and fructose and forming new bonds from the atoms of
Explanation
The correct answer is "breaking the bond between glucose and fructose and forming new bonds from the atoms of". This is because hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that involves the breaking of a bond by the addition of water. In the case of sucrose, the bond between glucose and fructose is broken, and new bonds are formed from the atoms of glucose and fructose. This process results in the breakdown of sucrose into its individual monosaccharide components, glucose and fructose.
30.
Reactants capable of interacting to form products in a chemical reaction must first overcome a
thermodynamic barrier known as the reaction's
Correct Answer
B. Activation energy
Explanation
In order for reactants to form products in a chemical reaction, they must first overcome a thermodynamic barrier known as the reaction's activation energy. This is the minimum amount of energy required for the reaction to occur and for the reactant molecules to reach a transition state where new bonds can form and products can be produced. Without overcoming this barrier, the reaction will not proceed.
31.
A solution of starch at room temperature does not readily decompose to form a solution of simple
sugars because
Correct Answer
B. The activation energy barrier for this reaction cannot be surmounted.
Explanation
The activation energy barrier refers to the energy required for a reaction to occur. In this case, the hydrolysis of starch to sugar requires breaking the bonds in starch molecules, which is a complex process. The activation energy barrier for this reaction is high, meaning that a significant amount of energy is needed to initiate the reaction. Therefore, at room temperature, the reaction does not occur readily because the activation energy barrier cannot be surmounted.
32.
Which of the following statements regarding enzymes is true?
Correct Answer
C. Enzymes increase the rate of a reaction.
Explanation
Enzymes increase the rate of a reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. They do this by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction with a lower activation energy, allowing the reaction to proceed more quickly. This is possible because enzymes have a specific three-dimensional shape that allows them to bind to the reactant molecules, called substrates, and facilitate the conversion of substrates into products. This catalytic activity of enzymes makes them crucial for the efficient functioning of biological processes.
33.
During a laboratory experiment, you discover that an enzyme-catalysed reaction has a G of -20
kcal/mol. If you double the amount of enzyme in the reaction, what will be the G for the new
reaction?
Correct Answer
B. -20 kcal/mol
Explanation
When the amount of enzyme in the reaction is doubled, it does not affect the G value. Therefore, the G for the new reaction will still be -20 kcal/mol.
34.
The active site of an enzyme is the region that
Correct Answer
C. Is involved in the catalytic reaction of the enzyme.
Explanation
The active site of an enzyme is the region that is involved in the catalytic reaction of the enzyme. This means that it is the specific location where the enzyme binds to its substrate and facilitates the chemical reaction to occur. The active site provides a complementary shape and chemical environment for the substrate to bind and undergo the reaction, leading to the formation of products. The binding of the substrate to the active site is highly specific and allows for the enzyme to catalyze the reaction efficiently.
35.
According to the induced fit hypothesis of enzyme catalysis, which of the following is correct?
Correct Answer
A. The binding of the substrate changes the shape of the enzyme's active site.
Explanation
According to the induced fit hypothesis of enzyme catalysis, the correct statement is that the binding of the substrate changes the shape of the enzyme's active site. This means that the active site is not a rigid structure, but rather it can undergo conformational changes upon substrate binding. These changes in shape allow the enzyme to better accommodate and interact with the substrate, leading to catalysis of the reaction. This hypothesis suggests that the enzyme and substrate undergo a dynamic interaction, with the enzyme adapting its shape to fit the substrate.
36.
Increasing the substrate concentration in an enzymatic reaction could overcome which of the
following?
Correct Answer
A. Competitive inhibition
Explanation
Increasing the substrate concentration in an enzymatic reaction could overcome competitive inhibition. Competitive inhibition occurs when a molecule similar to the substrate competes with the substrate for the active site of the enzyme. By increasing the substrate concentration, the chances of the substrate binding to the active site increase, reducing the likelihood of the inhibitor molecule binding. This allows more substrate molecules to bind and continue the enzymatic reaction, overcoming the inhibitory effect of the competitive inhibitor.
37.
Which of the following is true of enzymes?
Correct Answer
C. Enzymes increase the rate of chemical reaction by lowering activation energy barriers.
Explanation
Enzymes increase the rate of chemical reaction by lowering activation energy barriers. Enzymes act as catalysts, facilitating chemical reactions by reducing the amount of energy needed for the reaction to occur. They achieve this by binding to the reactant molecules and bringing them into close proximity, allowing them to interact more easily and form products. This lowers the activation energy required for the reaction, making it more likely to occur and increasing the rate of the reaction. The other options are not true of enzymes as they do not accurately describe their function.
38.
Zinc, an essential trace element for most organisms, is present in the active site of the enzyme
carboxypeptidase. The zinc most likely functions as a(n)
Correct Answer
A. Cofactor necessary for enzyme activity.
Explanation
Zinc is known to be an essential trace element for most organisms and is found in the active site of the enzyme carboxypeptidase. This suggests that zinc plays a crucial role in the functioning of the enzyme. In enzymes, a cofactor is a non-protein molecule or ion that is required for the enzyme to function properly. Therefore, the presence of zinc in the active site of carboxypeptidase indicates that it acts as a cofactor necessary for the enzyme's activity.
39.
Succinate dehydrogenase catalyses the conversion of succinate to fumarate. The reaction is inhibited by malonic acid, which resembles succinate but cannot be acted upon by succinate dehydrogenase. Increasing the ratio of succinate to malonic acid reduces the inhibitory effect of malonic acid.
Based on this information, which of the following is correct?
Correct Answer
B. Succinate is the substrate, and fumarate is the product.
Explanation
Succinate dehydrogenase is the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the conversion of succinate to fumarate. Therefore, succinate is the substrate, and fumarate is the product of this reaction.
40.
Succinate dehydrogenase catalyses the conversion of succinate to fumarate. The reaction is inhibited by malonic acid, which resembles succinate but cannot be acted upon by succinate dehydrogenase. Increasing the ratio of succinate to malonic acid reduces the inhibitory effect of malonic acid.
What is the purpose of using malonic acid in this experiment?
Correct Answer
C. It is a competitive inhibitor.
Explanation
Malonic acid is used in this experiment as a competitive inhibitor. Competitive inhibitors are molecules that resemble the substrate and compete with it for binding to the active site of the enzyme. In this case, malonic acid resembles succinate, the substrate of succinate dehydrogenase. By increasing the ratio of succinate to malonic acid, more succinate molecules are available to bind to the enzyme, reducing the inhibitory effect of malonic acid. This suggests that malonic acid competes with succinate for binding to the active site of succinate dehydrogenase, hence acting as a competitive inhibitor.
41.
In order to attach a particular amino acid to the tRNA molecule that will transport it, an enzyme, an
aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, is required, along with ATP. Initially, the enzyme has an active site
for ATP and another for the amino acid, but it is not able to attach the tRNA. What must occur in
order for the final attachment to occur?
Correct Answer
D. The binding of the first two molecules must cause a 3-dimensional change that opens another
Explanation
The correct answer states that the binding of the ATP and the amino acid must cause a 3-dimensional change in the enzyme, which then opens another active site for the tRNA molecule to attach. This suggests that the enzyme undergoes a conformational change upon binding the ATP and the amino acid, allowing it to accommodate the tRNA molecule and facilitate the final attachment of the amino acid to the tRNA.
42.
Competitive inhibitors block the entry of substrate into the active site of an enzyme. On which of
the following properties of an active site does this primarily depend?
Correct Answer
C. The ability of an enzyme to form a template for holding and joining molecules
Explanation
Competitive inhibitors primarily depend on the ability of an enzyme to form a template for holding and joining molecules. This means that the active site of the enzyme has a specific shape and structure that allows it to bind to the substrate and facilitate the reaction. Competitive inhibitors can bind to the active site of the enzyme and prevent the substrate from binding, effectively blocking the entry of the substrate into the active site.
43.
Which of the following is likely to lead to an increase in the concentration of ATP in a cell?
Correct Answer
A. An increase in a cell's catabolic activity
Explanation
An increase in a cell's catabolic activity is likely to lead to an increase in the concentration of ATP in a cell. Catabolic activity refers to the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process. ATP is the primary energy currency in cells, and it is produced during cellular respiration, which is a catabolic process. Therefore, an increase in catabolic activity would result in more ATP being produced, leading to an increase in its concentration within the cell.
44.
When you have a severe fever, what may be a grave consequence if this is not controlled?
Correct Answer
A. Change in the folding of enzymes
Explanation
If a severe fever is not controlled, it can lead to a change in the folding of enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that play a crucial role in various biological processes. They function properly when their structure is maintained. However, high body temperature can disrupt the normal folding of enzymes, causing them to lose their shape and function. This can have serious consequences as enzymes are involved in vital biochemical reactions in the body.
45.
How does a noncompetitive inhibitor decrease the rate of an enzyme reaction?
Correct Answer
E. By changing the shape of a reactant
Explanation
A noncompetitive inhibitor decreases the rate of an enzyme reaction by changing the shape of a reactant. This means that the inhibitor binds to a site on the enzyme that is different from the active site, causing a conformational change in the enzyme. As a result, the enzyme's active site undergoes a change in shape, making it less able to bind to the substrate and catalyze the reaction effectively. This ultimately decreases the rate of the enzyme reaction.
46.
A series of enzymes catalyse the reaction X Y Z A. Product A binds to the enzyme that converts X to Y at a position remote from its active site. This binding decreases the activity of the enzyme.
What is substance X?
Correct Answer
B. A substrate
Explanation
In the given scenario, substance X is identified as a substrate. This is because the reaction starts with X and proceeds through a series of reactions (X Y Z A) catalyzed by enzymes. The fact that product A binds to the enzyme that converts X to Y indicates that X is a substrate for this enzyme. This binding of A to the enzyme also decreases its activity, further supporting the notion that X is a substrate in this reaction.
47.
A series of enzymes catalyse the reaction X Y Z A. Product A binds to the enzyme that converts X to Y at a position remote from its active site. This binding decreases the activity of the enzyme.
Substance A functions as
Correct Answer
D. An allosteric inhibitor
Explanation
In this scenario, Substance A binds to the enzyme at a site that is not the active site, which is characteristic of an allosteric inhibitor. This binding causes a decrease in the enzyme's activity, suggesting that Substance A is inhibiting the enzyme's function. Therefore, Substance A is functioning as an allosteric inhibitor.
48.
The mechanism in which the end product of a metabolic pathway inhibits an earlier step in the
pathway is known as
Correct Answer
D. Feedback inhibition
Explanation
Feedback inhibition is the mechanism in which the end product of a metabolic pathway inhibits an earlier step in the pathway. This helps regulate the production of the end product and prevent excessive accumulation. When the concentration of the end product reaches a certain level, it binds to an enzyme involved in an earlier step, causing a conformational change that inhibits the enzyme's activity. This negative feedback loop helps maintain homeostasis and ensures that the metabolic pathway is functioning at an optimal level.
49.
Which of the following statements describes enzyme cooperativity?
Correct Answer
C. A substrate molecule bound to an active site affects the active site of several subunits.
Explanation
A substrate molecule bound to an active site affects the active site of several subunits. Enzyme cooperativity refers to the phenomenon where the binding of a substrate to one active site of a multi-subunit enzyme complex affects the activity of other active sites within the complex. This can result in a change in the affinity or activity of the other subunits, leading to a coordinated response in the enzymatic activity of the complex. This type of cooperativity is often observed in enzymes involved in metabolic pathways, where the binding of a substrate to one enzyme can enhance or inhibit the activity of other enzymes in the pathway.
50.
Some enzymatic regulation is allosteric. In such cases, which of the following would usually be
found?
Correct Answer
E. An enzyme with more than one subunit
Explanation
In allosteric regulation, the binding of a molecule to one site on the enzyme affects the activity of another site on the enzyme. An enzyme with more than one subunit is more likely to exhibit allosteric regulation because the different subunits can interact with each other and undergo conformational changes that affect the enzyme's activity. This allows for regulation of the enzyme's function in response to the presence or absence of specific molecules.