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WorksheetsBiochemistry Bridging Program: Genchem Skillboost Activity
Total questions: 46
Worksheet time: 1hrs 10mins
Which of the following best defines chemistry?
The study of matter and the changes it undergoes
The study of living organisms and their interactions
The measurement of physical forces in nature
The study of heredity and genetic information
Which branch of chemistry focuses on compounds that contain carbon and is most directly related to biochemistry?
A veterinarian studies the effect of a toxic compound on enzyme activity and metabolic pathways in cattle. Which branch of chemistry is MOST directly concerned with understanding these biochemical processes?
Dr. Santos, a young veterinarian, gently held the paw of Milo, a golden retriever brought in by a worried family. Milo had been unusually tired and refused to eat his favorite treats. After a brief check-up, Dr. Santos suspected that Milo might be suffering from metabolic acidosis, a condition that disrupts the body’s delicate balance. Determined to help, she carefully collected a blood sample for further analysis.
In the quiet of the laboratory, Dr. Santos reflected on the importance of understanding the chemistry behind every test. Each drop of Milo’s blood held countless molecules working together to keep him alive. Yet when something went wrong—like excess hydrogen ions lowering blood pH—those molecules could no longer do their jobs properly. To make sense of it all, Dr. Santos relied not only on her compassion for animals but also on her knowledge of biochemistry.
When the results came back, Dr. Santos explained to Milo’s family that his blood was more acidic than normal. Thanks to her background in chemistry and biochemistry, she knew how to interpret the changes and recommend treatment. Milo’s family felt reassured, and Milo wagged his tail faintly, as if thanking everyone for not giving up on him.
Why was Milo's family worried about him?
He was unusually tired and refused to eat his favorite treats.
He was barking excessively.
He was running around too much.
He was sleeping too much.
Dr. Santos analyzed the blood samples of Milo, her Golden retriever patient with suspected metabolic acidosis. To interpret the results correctly, she must understand how changes in hydrogen ion concentration affect blood pH. This situation highlights:
The role of organic chemistry in carbon compound structure
The importance of chemistry as the basis for understanding biochemistry
The exclusive role of physics in measuring changes in fluids
The function of genetics in disease inheritance
Which of the following describes a liquid?
Which of the following is a chemical property?
Melting point of ice
Density of water
Flammability of alcohol
Color of iodine
Which of the following is a homogeneous mixture?
Table salt (NaCl)
Air
Granite
Gold bar
A veterinarian observes that a milk sample from a cow changes its smell and develops clumps after being left unrefrigerated for two days. To understand whether this change is physical or chemical, the vet considers that bacterial activity altered the composition of proteins and sugars in the milk.
Question: What type of change occurred in the milk?
Physical change, because the milk only changed appearance
Physical change, because milk is a mixture
Chemical change, because new substances were formed
Chemical change, because milk is a liquid
Which of the following represents a physical change?
Rusting of iron cage in a kennel
Burning of veterinary alcohol
Evaporation of disinfectant solution
Digestion of animal feed
Which subatomic particle is positively charged and found in the nucleus of an atom?
Positron
Which subatomic particle determines the chemical behavior of an element?
Electrons
Isotopes of an element differ in which of the following?
Number of protons only
Number of neutrons only
Number of electrons only
Atomic number only
Which of the following represents an isotope of carbon?
¹²C and ¹⁴N
¹²C and ¹³C
¹³C and ¹³N
¹²C and ¹²O
A veterinarian uses radioactive iodine (¹³¹I) to treat a cat with hyperthyroidism. The isotope works by being absorbed by the thyroid gland, where it emits radiation to reduce overactive tissue. To use this safely, the vet must understand the difference between iodine isotopes used in nutrition (¹²⁷I) and in therapy (¹³¹I).
Question: Which statement BEST explains the difference between ¹²⁷I and ¹³¹I?
They have different numbers of protons and therefore are different elements.
They have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
They have the same mass number but different numbers of electrons.
They are identical in structure and use, with no differences.
Which type of bond is formed when one atom donates an electron to another atom?
Ionic bond
Covalent bond
Hydrogen bond
Metallic bond
Which of the following best describes a hydrogen bond?
A weak attraction between a hydrogen atom bonded to N, O, or F and another electronegative atom
A bond formed by equal sharing of electrons between atoms
A transfer of electrons between a metal and a nonmetal
The delocalized sharing of electrons among many atoms
Which of the following correctly differentiates ionic and covalent bonds?
Ionic bonds share electrons; covalent bonds transfer electrons
Ionic bonds transfer electrons; covalent bonds share electrons
Ionic bonds only occur in organic compounds; covalent bonds occur in salts
Ionic bonds are weaker than covalent bonds
Which bond type gives water its unique properties, such as high boiling point and surface tension?
Ionic bonds between H and O
Covalent bonds within H₂O molecules
Hydrogen bonds between H₂O molecules
Metallic bonds in oxygen
A veterinarian explains to students why proteins in animal diets must maintain their 3D structure. Heating feed too much can denature proteins, breaking hydrogen bonds that stabilize their folding. As a result, the protein loses its biological function, reducing nutritional value for animals.
Question: What type of bond is MOST responsible for maintaining the secondary and tertiary structure of proteins?
Metallic bond
Which of the following is the correct symbol for the element Calcium?
K
What is the correct name for Na₂O?
Sodium oxide
Sodium oxygen
Disodium monoxide
Sodium dioxide
What is the formula for Aluminum sulfate?
AlSO₄
Al₂SO₄
Al₂(SO₄)₃
Al(SO₄)₂
Which of the following names indicates a molecular (covalent) compound rather than an ionic compound?
Magnesium chloride
Carbon dioxide
Potassium nitrate
Sodium bicarbonate
A veterinarian prescribes Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) to a dairy cow suffering from hypocalcemia. Calcium carbonate is commonly used as a calcium supplement and also as an antacid. Understanding its chemical name and formula helps the veterinarian ensure the correct compound is used instead of other calcium salts.
Question: From the name “Calcium carbonate,” which ions make up this compound?
Ca²⁺ and CO₂
Ca²⁺ and CO₃²⁻
Ca⁺ and CO₃⁻
Ca and C
In the equation:
CH4 + 2 O2 → CO2 + 2 H2O
What does the arrow (→) represent?
“Equal to” sign
Direction of heat flow
Produces or yields
Number of molecules
In a balanced chemical equation, the symbols (s), (l), (g), and (aq) indicate:
Type of bonding
State of matter
Amount of heat absorbed
Whether the reaction is endothermic
According to the law of conservation of mass:
Matter can be created in chemical reactions
Mass of reactants equals mass of products
Atoms disappear during combustion
Energy cannot be transferred
Balance the equation:
_ H2 + _ O2 → _ H2O
What does the arrow (→) represent?
H2 + O2 → H2O
2 H2 + O2 → 2 H2O
H2 + 2 O2 → H2O
2 H2 + 2 O2 → 2 H2O
A veterinarian prepares a disinfectant solution using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). In storage, hydrogen peroxide slowly decomposes into water and oxygen gas, which can reduce its effectiveness.
2 H2O2 → 2H2O + O2
Question: Why must this equation be balanced as written?
To satisfy the law of conservation of energy
To satisfy the law of conservation of mass
To increase the rate of decomposition
To change the chemical identity of H₂O₂
According to the Brønsted–Lowry definition, which of the following is an acid?
A substance that produces OH⁻ ions in water
A substance that donates protons (H⁺)
A substance that accepts electrons
A substance that increases pH above 7
A solution has a pH of 3. What does this indicate?
It is strongly basic
It is weakly basic
It is acidic
It is neutral
Why is maintaining blood pH within the narrow range of 7.35–7.45 critical in animals?
Small pH changes have little biological effect
Enzyme activity and metabolic pathways depend on stable pH
Blood cells are unaffected by acidic or basic conditions
Acids in the blood are completely neutralized automatically
Moomow, a dairy cow, had been the pride of a small family farm. For years, she provided milk that sustained the family’s livelihood. One rainy season, however, Moomow became weak and stopped eating properly. Her breaths became heavy, and the farmer noticed her staggering with unusual fatigue.
The veterinarian arrived and collected blood samples. Tests revealed that Moomow’s blood pH had dropped to 6.9, far below the normal range for cows (7.35–7.45). The vet explained that Moomow was suffering from metabolic acidosis, likely due to complications in her rumen fermentation. This dangerous imbalance disrupted her enzyme activity, making her metabolism inefficient and further weakening her condition.
Despite the vet’s best efforts, including fluid therapy and buffers, Moomow’s condition worsened. The farmer and his children stood by her side, stroking her gently until her last breath. It was a heartbreaking moment, but it highlighted the critical importance of understanding chemistry in veterinary medicine.
Based on Moomow’s blood pH of 6.9, how should her condition be classified?
Severe alkalosis
Severe acidosis
Normal blood pH
Mild alkalosis
How does metabolic acidosis in Moomow most likely affect enzyme activity?
Enzymes function more efficiently in acidic blood
Enzymes denature, losing their shape and function
Enzymes remain unaffected by pH changes
Enzyme activity increases proportionally to H⁺ concentration
In a sugar-water mixture, which component is the solute?
Sugar
Water
Both sugar and water
Neither, it is a compound
Which statement correctly defines a solution?
A mixture where solute and solvent are visible separately
A homogeneous mixture of solute and solvent
A suspension of large solid particles in liquid
A compound formed by chemical reaction of solute and solvent
Which principle explains why nonpolar solutes such as oil do not dissolve in water?
Law of conservation of mass
“Like dissolves like” principle
Le Châtelier’s principle
Neutralization reactions
Miming, a beloved family cat, had been suffering from persistent seizures. The veterinarian prescribed an oral medication that needed to be dissolved in water for easy administration. However, when the family tried to prepare the dose, the drug powder floated on top of the water and would not dissolve. Concerned, the family brought Miming back to the clinic.
The veterinarian explained that the medication was nonpolar, while water is a polar solvent, making the drug poorly soluble. Instead, the vet reformulated the drug into an oil-based suspension, which improved absorption in Miming’s system. Despite treatment, Miming’s condition worsened, and she passed away a week later. Her family was devastated, but they found comfort knowing they did everything possible to ease her suffering.
This case highlights the critical importance of solubility and polarity in veterinary pharmacology.
Why did Miming’s medication fail to dissolve in water?
The powder was ionic and insoluble
The powder was nonpolar and water is polar
The powder reacted chemically with water
The powder was too concentrated to dissolve
What was the BEST reason the veterinarian switched Miming’s medication into an oil-based suspension?
To increase the mass of the drug
To reduce its toxicity
To improve solubility and absorption in the body
To neutralize the acidity of the drug
In the reaction:
2 Na + Cl2 → 2 NaCl
Which statement is correct?
Sodium is oxidized, chlorine is reduced
Sodium is reduced, chlorine is oxidized
Both sodium and chlorine are reduced
Both sodium and chlorine are oxidized
Which best describes oxidation in terms of electron transfer?
Gain of electrons
Loss of electrons
Sharing of electrons
No change in electrons
In a redox reaction, which species undergoes reduction?
The one that loses electrons
The one that gains electrons
The one that increases oxidation number
The one that donates protons
Poochi, a loyal family dog, had been the children’s constant companion for years. Recently, he became unusually weak, breathing heavily, and unable to run as he once did. His family brought him to the veterinary clinic, fearing the worst.
The veterinarian conducted blood tests and discovered that Poochi’s cells were not producing enough ATP. The vet explained that during cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen normally undergo a series of redox reactions in the mitochondria to produce energy. In Poochi’s case, oxygen delivery was impaired due to lung disease, which disrupted the redox balance and reduced ATP production.
Despite supportive care, Poochi’s health continued to decline. His family stayed by his side, stroking his fur gently until he passed away peacefully. The vet reminded the family that Poochi’s struggle highlighted the importance of oxidation–reduction reactions in sustaining life.
In Poochi’s case, oxygen acted as the final electron acceptor in respiration. Which process does this describe?
Oxygen is oxidized in the mitochondria
Oxygen is reduced by gaining electrons
Glucose is reduced into ATP
ATP donates electrons to oxygen
Why did Poochi’s impaired respiration lead to weakness and low ATP production?
Lack of oxygen prevented oxidation of glucose
Too much ATP was formed and wasted energy
Oxygen donated protons instead of electrons
Glucose was not transported into cells
Which laboratory equipment is BEST used to accurately measure 25.0 mL of liquid?
Beaker
Erlenmeyer flask
Graduated cylinder
Test tube
Which of the following equipment is specifically designed for heating small amounts of liquid over a flame?
Burette
Pipette
Test tube
Volumetric flask
Why must broken glassware be disposed of in a designated sharps container rather than a regular trash bin?
To allow reuse of the glassware
To prevent contamination of chemicals
To avoid injury to laboratory personnel
To recycle laboratory waste
When using a balance to weigh a chemical, why is it important to use weighing paper or a container instead of placing the substance directly on the balance pan?
To prevent loss of the substance
To protect the balance from contamination and damage
To increase measurement speed
To improve the accuracy of digital readout
A veterinary student is conducting a urinalysis for a sick calf. The student measures the urine sample with a graduated cylinder, then transfers it to a test tube for heating. While rushing, the student pours too quickly, spilling some of the sample. Later, the results show inconsistencies between repeated tests.
Question: Which is the MOST likely source of experimental error in this case?
Using a graduated cylinder instead of a volumetric flask
Spillage of the urine sample during transfer
Heating the urine in a test tube
Conducting multiple trials of the experiment
