The Chemistry of Life

Which are larger - atoms or molecules?

• Atoms
• Molecules

Which element is essential for life as we know it?

• Carbon
• Hydrogen
• Oxygen
• Nitrogen

What is the Octet Rule?

• The tendency of atoms to prefer to have 8 electrons in the outermost shell.
• The tendency of atoms to prefer to have 8 electrons in the innermost shell.
• The tendency of atoms to prefer to have 8 protons in the innermost shell.
• The tendency of atoms to prefer to have 8 neutrons in the innermost shell.
• The tendency of atoms to prefer to have 8 protons in the outermost shell.

Which four elements are common to all living organisms?

• Carbon
• Hydrogen
• Nitrogen
• Oxygen
• Chlorine

How many valence electrons does carbon have?

• 4
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 5

How many bonds can carbon form?

• 4
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 5

Why do hydrocarbons make good fuels?

• Their covalent bonds store a small amount of energy that is released when the molecules are burned
• Their covalent bonds store a large amount of energy that is released when the molecules are burned
• Their covalent bonds store a small amount of energy that is absorbed when the molecules are burned
• Their covalent bonds store a large amount of energy that is absorbed when the molecules are burned

In the reaction below, two amino acids have combined to form a dipeptide. Which of the following best explains the process occurring in this reaction?

• Through hydrolysis, a covalent bond forms to connect the dipeptide together, and a water molecule forms as a product.
• Through dehydration synthesis, a covalent bond forms to connect the dipeptide together, and a water molecule forms as a product.
• The dipeptide will immediately break back down into the two amino acid monomers.
• Water is used to cleave the covalent bond between the two amino acid monomers.

In the reaction depicted below, maltose is broken down into two molecules of glucose. Which of the following best explains the process of this reaction?

• The addition of a water molecule cleaves the covalent bond holding maltose together.
• The reverse of this reaction would require the addition of water to build the maltose dimer from the glucose monomers.
• The ionic bond of maltose is broken down through the addition of water in this hydrolysis reaction.
• This breakdown process requires the release of water as a product of the reaction.

Which of the following best describes the role that water plays in the reaction depicted below? Note: A dimer is two monomers bonded together.

• When water condenses out of the reaction, a dimer is created as a covalent bond forms between two monomers.
• When water combines with the two monomers, a dimer forms.
• Water is an input of the reaction, leading to the formation of a covalent bond in the dimer product.
• Water catalyzes the formation of a covalent bond in the dimer through hydrolysis.