Unit 2: Chemical Basis of Life Test Review

Front

What are reactants in a chemical reaction?

Back

Reactants are the starting substances in a chemical reaction that undergo change to form products. For example, in the reaction of nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) to form ammonia (NH3), N2 and H2 are the reactants.

Front

What is the function of nucleic acids?

Back

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, store and transmit genetic information. They are essential for the coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Front

What happens to an enzyme when the reaction temperature increases too much?

Back

When the temperature increases beyond the optimal range, the enzyme can denature, meaning it changes shape and can no longer function effectively, thus slowing down or stopping the reaction.

Front

Which subatomic particles are involved in forming chemical bonds?

Back

Electrons are the subatomic particles that allow for chemical bonds to occur. They are involved in the formation of covalent and ionic bonds.

Front

What type of bond is formed when atoms share electrons?

Back

A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electrons. This type of bond is common in molecules like water (H2O).

Front

Define a covalent bond.

Back

A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, resulting in a stable balance of attractive and repulsive forces between the atoms.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in chemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.

Front

What is denaturation in the context of enzymes?

Back

Denaturation is the process by which an enzyme loses its functional shape due to external factors like temperature or pH changes, rendering it unable to catalyze reactions.

Front

What are the main components of nucleic acids?

Back

Nucleic acids are made up of nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Front

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Back

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) stores genetic information, while RNA (ribonucleic acid) plays a role in protein synthesis and can act as a messenger between DNA and ribosomes.