Chemistry of Life Quiz 1.5 Engage reading Quiz

Michael, Oliver, and Mia are discussing the differences between inorganic and organic molecules. What is the main difference between them?

• Inorganic compounds are primarily composed of carbon bound to other elements, while organic compounds are not.

• Inorganic compounds are synthesized within living things, while organic compounds are not.

• Inorganic compounds can exist in the form of a solid, liquid, or gas, while organic compounds cannot.

• Inorganic compounds are important structural molecules in many organisms, while organic compounds are not.

Answer explanation

The main difference between inorganic and organic molecules lies in their composition. Inorganic compounds are primarily composed of elements other than carbon, while organic compounds are primarily composed of carbon bound to other elements. This distinction is crucial in understanding the structure and function of various molecules in chemistry and biology.

William, Evelyn, and Michael are studying the characteristics of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. What are the characteristics of these biomolecules?

• Carbohydrates are polymers of repeating simple sugar units.

• Lipids are important energy storage molecules.

• Proteins perform almost all cellular functions.

• Nucleic acids contain the hereditary information that is passed down from one generation to the next.

Answer explanation

The question asks about the characteristics of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Carbohydrates are polymers of repeating simple sugar units, lipids are important energy storage molecules, proteins perform almost all cellular functions, and nucleic acids contain the hereditary information that is passed down from one generation to the next.

Lily, Grace, and Benjamin are studying enzymes in their biology class. What are the characteristics of enzymes that they learn about?

• Enzymes are a class of proteins that help chemical reactions take place.

• Enzymes catalyze chemical reactions by arranging molecules.

• Enzymes release the products of a reaction.

• Enzymes slow down the rates of chemical reactions.

Answer explanation

Enzymes are a class of proteins that help chemical reactions take place by catalyzing them. They arrange molecules and release the products of a reaction. However, they do not slow down the rates of chemical reactions; instead, they speed them up. So, the characteristics of enzymes that Lily, Grace, and Benjamin learn about include their catalytic nature, their role in arranging molecules, and their ability to release reaction products.

Mia, Mason, and Sophia are studying the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cells. What do they learn about ATP?

• ATP is a molecule that contains two additional phosphate groups.

• ATP releases energy when the bond between the second and third phosphate group is broken.

• ATP powers most energy-requiring processes within cells.

• ATP is an endergonic reaction in a cell.

Answer explanation

Mia, Mason, and Sophia learn that ATP powers most energy-requiring processes within cells. It releases energy when the bond between the second and third phosphate group is broken, making it a crucial molecule for cellular functions.

Jackson, Evelyn, and Aria are studying the formation of fossil fuels. They want to know what type of carbon compounds form petroleum and other fossil fuels. Can you help them?

• Carbohydrates

• Lipids

• Proteins

• Nucleic acids

Answer explanation

Petroleum and other fossil fuels are primarily composed of lipids. These are carbon compounds that originate from the remains of ancient plants and animals. Over millions of years, heat and pressure transform these organic materials into fossil fuels, such as petroleum. The other options, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids, are not the main components of fossil fuels.

Abigail, Mia, and Mason are discussing the importance of carbon's ability to bond to itself. Why is this property important to its function in a real-world scenario?

• It allows carbon to form complex carbohydrates.

• It allows carbon to store energy as lipids.

• It allows carbon to perform cellular functions as proteins.

• It allows carbon to form nucleic acids for genetic information.

Answer explanation

Carbon's ability to bond to itself is important because it allows the formation of complex carbohydrates. These complex carbohydrates play a crucial role in providing energy and structural support to living organisms. The other options, while also involving carbon, do not directly relate to its self-bonding property.

Nora, Jackson, and Anika are planning a long study session. They need to choose a snack that will provide fuel to their cells. Which of the following should they choose?

• Simple sugars

• Complex carbohydrates

• Fatty acids

• Amino acids

Answer explanation

Nora, Jackson, and Anika should choose simple sugars as their snack for the study session. Simple sugars are easily and quickly absorbed by the body, providing a rapid source of energy to their cells. This will help them stay focused and energized during their long study session.

Nora, Lily, and Aiden are conducting a science experiment in their class. They are observing the role of enzymes in a chemical reaction. In what way are the enzymes themselves changed when they catalyze the chemical reactions in their experiment?

• The enzymes in their experiment are broken down into smaller molecules.

• The enzymes in their experiment are rearranged into different structures.

• The enzymes in their experiment are converted into energy.

• The enzymes in their experiment remain unchanged.

Answer explanation

In the science experiment conducted by Nora, Lily, and Aiden, the enzymes act as catalysts in the chemical reactions. Enzymes are not changed or consumed during the reaction, which means they remain unchanged. They simply speed up the reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.

Aiden, Henry, and Benjamin are studying biology and they come across the term ATP. They are curious to know what role does ATP play in cells. Can you help them understand?

• ATP is like the battery that powers the flashlight they use during their camping trips. It is a primary energy currency in all living cells.

• ATP is like a three-layered sandwich that they often have for lunch. It is a nucleotide that contains two additional phosphate groups.

• ATP is like a pop-up toy, which releases energy when the bond between the second and third layer (phosphate group) is broken.

• ATP is like a downhill bike ride, an exergonic reaction in a cell.

Answer explanation

ATP is often compared to a battery that powers cells, as it is the primary energy currency in all living organisms. The analogy of a flashlight during camping trips helps Aiden, Henry, and Benjamin understand the crucial role ATP plays in providing energy to cells.

Grace, David, and Harper are discussing the essential molecules for life. Which type of molecules do they agree are essential to life?

• Inorganic molecules

• Organic molecules

• Carbohydrates

• Lipids

Answer explanation

Grace, David, and Harper agree that organic molecules are essential to life. Organic molecules contain carbon and hydrogen, and they are the building blocks of all living organisms. While inorganic molecules, carbohydrates, and lipids are also important, organic molecules encompass a broader range of essential compounds, including proteins, nucleic acids, and more.