PORTAGE BIOCHEMISTRY MODULE 1 EXAM 2026
UPDATED EXAM QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES | INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD
Definition of biochemistry - correct answer -chemistry of life; how properties of organisms
relate to their molecules
What are the 3 things biochemists study? - correct answer -1. The relationship between
structure and function of biomolecules
2. Chemical reactions of organisms (metabolism)
3. Communication within and among organisms
What are bulk elements? - correct answer -Elements that are abundant in living organisms
What are trace elements? - correct answer -Elements that are less abundant in organisms but
still crucial for life
Name the bulk elements (10) - correct answer -H, Na, K, Ca, C, N, O, P, S, Cl
Name the trace elements (13) - correct answer -Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, W, Se, I
What's another word for a firefly? - correct answer -Lightning bug
Explain the chemical reaction of lightning bugs - correct answer -The chemical reaction is called
bioluminescence. Proteins regulate, produce, and degrade the light-emitting compound called
luciferin. Luciferin, when acted upon by a protein, glows as bugs move. This chemical reaction is
regulated by the protein (enzyme) called luciferase.
, How many naturally occurring elements exist? How many are found in living organisms and
what kind of elements? - correct answer -90 naturally occurring elements, less than 30
elements are found in living organisms.
Most of these 30 elements are smaller non-metals.
Why are smaller elements favored for living organisms? - correct answer -They can form stable,
covalent bonds
How are strong bonds formed? - correct answer -Strong bonds form by significant overlap of
atoms, such as carbon and hydrogen, permitting them to share electrons
Why is the strong bond good for living organisms? - correct answer -The bond that forms
requires significant energy to break it. This means the bonds can withstand mechanical and
thermal pressures through the growth of hair/skin for protection.
Do larger elements form stable covalent bonds? - correct answer -No
Describe the role of Iron as a larger element - correct answer -Iron has a critical role in
hemoglobin for oxygen transport in vertebrates.
Forms an ion capable of binding to oxygen.
Describe H and O in H2O - correct answer -Both H and O are found in large amounts. They are
small atoms that form strong bonds. When bonded as H2O, they form a small, polar molecule
that solvates and dissolves many compounds.
H2O makes up ___% or more of living things - correct answer -70%
Some plant species are ___% water by mass - correct answer -90%
UPDATED EXAM QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES | INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD
Definition of biochemistry - correct answer -chemistry of life; how properties of organisms
relate to their molecules
What are the 3 things biochemists study? - correct answer -1. The relationship between
structure and function of biomolecules
2. Chemical reactions of organisms (metabolism)
3. Communication within and among organisms
What are bulk elements? - correct answer -Elements that are abundant in living organisms
What are trace elements? - correct answer -Elements that are less abundant in organisms but
still crucial for life
Name the bulk elements (10) - correct answer -H, Na, K, Ca, C, N, O, P, S, Cl
Name the trace elements (13) - correct answer -Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, W, Se, I
What's another word for a firefly? - correct answer -Lightning bug
Explain the chemical reaction of lightning bugs - correct answer -The chemical reaction is called
bioluminescence. Proteins regulate, produce, and degrade the light-emitting compound called
luciferin. Luciferin, when acted upon by a protein, glows as bugs move. This chemical reaction is
regulated by the protein (enzyme) called luciferase.
, How many naturally occurring elements exist? How many are found in living organisms and
what kind of elements? - correct answer -90 naturally occurring elements, less than 30
elements are found in living organisms.
Most of these 30 elements are smaller non-metals.
Why are smaller elements favored for living organisms? - correct answer -They can form stable,
covalent bonds
How are strong bonds formed? - correct answer -Strong bonds form by significant overlap of
atoms, such as carbon and hydrogen, permitting them to share electrons
Why is the strong bond good for living organisms? - correct answer -The bond that forms
requires significant energy to break it. This means the bonds can withstand mechanical and
thermal pressures through the growth of hair/skin for protection.
Do larger elements form stable covalent bonds? - correct answer -No
Describe the role of Iron as a larger element - correct answer -Iron has a critical role in
hemoglobin for oxygen transport in vertebrates.
Forms an ion capable of binding to oxygen.
Describe H and O in H2O - correct answer -Both H and O are found in large amounts. They are
small atoms that form strong bonds. When bonded as H2O, they form a small, polar molecule
that solvates and dissolves many compounds.
H2O makes up ___% or more of living things - correct answer -70%
Some plant species are ___% water by mass - correct answer -90%
