NBME BIOCHEMISTRY SHELF EXAM 2026 STUDY GUIDE REVISION SHEET CORE CONCEPT BREAKDOWN

NBME BIOCHEMISTRY SHELF EXAM 2026
STUDY GUIDE REVISION SHEET CORE
CONCEPT BREAKDOWN

◉ T/F: Biomolecules can have two or more different functional
groups.
Answer: true


◉ T/F: The following group is an amine.


C2H5NH2
Answer: true


◉ T/F: In a eukaryotic cell, the organelles called peroxisomes serve
the purpose of digesting macromolecules.
Answer: false


peroxisomes degrade dangerous/hazardous molecules, lysosomes
degrade macromolecules


◉ T/F: In a eukaryotic cell, the organelles called lysosomes serve the
purpose of digesting macromolecules.

,Answer: true


◉ T/F: Carbon dioxide has a linear molecular shape AND has a bond
angle of 109.5 degrees.
Answer: false


linear shape = 180 degrees


◉ Of the following, ___ is not a property of carbon.


Forming ionic bonds
Forming cyclic structures
Forming multiple bonds
Forming bonds with oxygen
Bonding in long chains
Answer: Forming ionic bonds


◉ Which of the following is an element not typically found in living
organisms?


Br
Ca

, H
S
Na
Answer: Br


◉ What are the functional groups found in carbohydrates?
Answer: carbonyls (C=O)
alcohol/hydroxyls (-OH)
ketones
aldehydes


◉ What is a ketone?
Answer: carbonyl group bonded to 2 carbons


◉ A ___ is a chemical formula that shows how the atoms of a
molecule are bonded to one another.
Answer: Kekule' structure


◉ A _____ is a chemical formula that does NOT show the C-H and C-C
bonds.
Answer: condensed formula