TEST BANK
Biochemistry
Mary K. Campbell, Saul Treviño
10th Edition
,Table of Contents
Chapter 01 Biochemistry and the Organization of Cells 1
Chapter 02 Water: The Solvent for Biochemical Reactions 31
Chapter 03 Amino Acids and Peptides 62
Chapter 04 The Three Dimensional Structure of Proteins 91
Chapter 05 Protein Purification and Characterization Techniques 123
Chapter 06 The Behavior of Proteins: Enzyme Kinetics and Inhibition 149
Chapter 07 The Behavior of Enzymes: Allostery Mechanisms and Control 178
Chapter 08 Lipids and Biological Membranes 207
Chapter 09 Nucleic Acids: How Structure Conveys Information 242
Chapter 10 Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids: Replication 267
Chapter 11 Transcription of the Genetic Code: The Biosynthesis of RNA 300
Chapter 12 Protein Synthesis: Translation of the Genetic Message 335
Chapter 13 Nucleic Acid Biotechnology Techniques 366
Chapter 14 Viruses Cancer and Immunology 402
Chapter 15 The Importance of Energy Changes and Electron Transfer in Metabolism 418
Chapter 16 Carbohydrates 441
Chapter 17 Glycolysis 475
Chapter 18 Release Mechanisms Storage Mechanisms and Control in Carbohydrate
Metabolism 502
Chapter 19 The Citric Acid Cycle 531
Chapter 20 Electron Transport and Oxidative Phosphorylation 562
Chapter 21 Lipid Metabolism 588
Chapter 22 Photosynthesis 625
Chapter 23 The Metabolism of Nitrogen 654
Chapter 24 Integration of Metabolism: Cellular Signaling 683
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Test Bank - Biochemistry, 10th Edition (Campbell, 2026)
Chapter 01 - Biochemistry and the Organization of Cells
Multiple Choice
1. How do the molecules that function in living cells compare to those studied in organic chemistry?
a. They are the same molecules, just operating in a different context.
b. Biological molecules are organic molecules, but the similarity ends there.
c. Biological molecules are completely different from organic molecules.
d. Biological processes are not based on molecules but on a "vital force."
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. The molecules found in living cells follow the same chemical principles
studied in organic chemistry, but they operate within biological systems.
b. Incorrect. Biomolecules are closely related to the types of compounds studied in
organic chemistry.
c. Incorrect. Biological molecules are not fundamentally different from those studied
in organic chemistry.
d. Incorrect. The vital force theory has been disproven; biological processes are
governed by normal chemical principles.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1.1 - List the six simple molecules that may have given rise to early molecules and cells.
TOPICS: Basic Themes
2. Which of the following sequences correctly orders biological structures from the simplest level to a more complex level
of organization?
a. atom → molecule → organelle → macromolecule
b. molecule → atom → macromolecule → organelle
c. tissue → cell → organ
d. atom → macromolecule → tissue → organ
ANSWER: d
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Macromolecules are larger structures composed of many atoms and
molecules, so they would not follow organelles in this sequence.
b. Incorrect. Atoms are the simplest units and must come before molecules in the
sequence.
c. Incorrect. Cells are the basic units of tissues, so the correct order would be cell →
tissue → organ.
d. Correct. This sequence moves from simple chemical components (atoms) to
complex biological structures (organs).
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1.2 - List and briefly describe the eight levels of structural organization in the human body
TOPICS: Basic Themes
3. Which of the following best defines organic chemistry?
a. The study of compounds contained in organisms
b. The study of compounds containing organs
c. The study of compounds containing carbon
d. The study of compounds containing elements other than carbon
ANSWER: c
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Organic chemistry includes carbon-containing compounds whether or
not they occur in living organisms.
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b. Incorrect. Organic chemistry does not refer to compounds related to biological
organs.
c. Correct. Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing compounds and their
chemical reactions.
d. Incorrect. Organic compounds are characterized by the presence of carbon rather
than the absence of it.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.1 - Describe the characteristics of the four basic classes of small molecules found in cells.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
4. Which of the following is not one of the primary simple molecules that scientists believe to have contributed to the
formation of the first biomolecules on early Earth?
a. ammonia
b. carbon dioxide
c. hydrogen
d. simple carbohydrates
ANSWER: d
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Ammonia is one of the simple molecules thought to have been present in
the early Earth atmosphere.
b. Incorrect. Carbon dioxide was likely present in the early atmosphere and could
participate in early chemical reactions.
c. Incorrect. Hydrogen gas was one of the simple molecules present in the early
atmosphere.
d. Correct. Simple carbohydrates are complex organic molecules that would have
formed later from simpler precursor molecules.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1.1 - List the six simple molecules that may have given rise to early molecules and cells.
TOPICS: Basic Themes
5. Which of the following statements reflects the historical vital force theory?
a. The compounds found in living organisms are the same as those found in the nonliving systems.
b. The compounds found in living organisms can easily be produced in a laboratory.
c. The compounds found in living organisms cannot be produced in a laboratory.
d. The compounds found in living organisms are formed only by reactions involving oxygen.
ANSWER: c
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. This statement reflects the modern understanding that biological
molecules follow the same chemical principles as other organic compounds.
b. Incorrect. This statement contradicts the vital force theory and reflects modern
organic chemistry.
c. Correct. The vital force theory proposed that compounds produced by living
organisms could not be synthesized artificially in a laboratory.
d. Incorrect. The vital force theory did not specifically relate to reactions involving
oxygen.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.1 - Describe the characteristics of the four basic classes of small molecules found in cells.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
6. What was the significance of the synthesis of urea from ammonium cyanate?
a. It was a critical component of the Miller–Urey experiment.
b. It requires a protein as a catalyst to occur.
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c. It helped dispel the vital force theory.
d. It supported the vital force theory.
ANSWER: c
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. The Miller–Urey experiment investigated the formation of organic
molecules under simulated early Earth conditions.
b. Incorrect. The synthesis of urea from ammonium cyanate did not require a protein
catalyst.
c. Correct. Wöhler’s synthesis showed that an organic compound could be produced
from inorganic materials, helping to disprove the vital force theory.
d. Incorrect. The experiment contradicted rather than supported the vital force theory.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.1 - Describe the characteristics of the four basic classes of small molecules found in cells.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
7. Which of the following is not a functional group commonly found in biomolecules?
a. amino group
b. protein
c. alcohol group
d. carbonyl group
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. The amino group (–NH2) is a common functional group found in many
biomolecules, including amino acids.
b. Correct. Proteins are macromolecules composed of amino acids and are not
functional groups.
c. Incorrect. The hydroxyl (–OH) group is a common functional group found in many
biomolecules, especially carbohydrates.
d. Incorrect. The carbonyl group (C=O) is an important functional group found in
aldehydes and ketones.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.2 - Write general structures and names of functional groups for the following classes of
compounds of biochemical importance: alkenes, alcohols, ethers, amines, thiols, aldehydes,
ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, phosphoric acid esters, and phosphoric acid
anhydrides.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
8. Which of the following functional groups is characteristic of alcohols?
a. –NH
b. –OH
c. –C=O
d. C=C
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. The –NH group is associated with amines rather than alcohols.
b. Correct. The hydroxyl group (–OH) is the defining functional group of alcohols.
c. Incorrect. The C=O group is the carbonyl functional group found in aldehydes and
ketones.
d. Incorrect. The C=C bond represents an alkene functional group.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.2 - Write general structures and names of functional groups for the following classes of
compounds of biochemical importance: alkenes, alcohols, ethers, amines, thiols, aldehydes,
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ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, phosphoric acid esters, and phosphoric acid
anhydrides.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
9. Which of the following functional groups are not commonly found in biomolecules?
a. alkyl halides
b. amides
c. carboxylic acids
d. ethers
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. Alkyl halides are relatively uncommon in naturally occurring
biomolecules.
b. Incorrect. Amides are common in biomolecules, particularly in peptide bonds that
link amino acids in proteins.
c. Incorrect. Carboxylic acid groups are common in biomolecules such as fatty acids
and amino acids.
d. Incorrect. Ether linkages occur in some biomolecules, including certain lipids.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.2 - Write general structures and names of functional groups for the following classes of
compounds of biochemical importance: alkenes, alcohols, ethers, amines, thiols, aldehydes,
ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, phosphoric acid esters, and phosphoric acid
anhydrides.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
10. Which of the following statements regarding biomolecules is false?
a. They contain predominantly ionic bonds.
b. They contain predominantly nonmetallic elements.
c. Carbon is the key element in their structure.
d. Specific stereoisomers are essential in most biological activity.
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. Biomolecules are primarily held together by covalent bonds rather than
ionic bonds.
b. Incorrect. Biomolecules are composed mainly of nonmetallic elements such as
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
c. Incorrect. Carbon forms the backbone of most biomolecules.
d. Incorrect. Many biological processes depend on specific stereoisomers of
biomolecules.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.1 - Describe the characteristics of the four basic classes of small molecules found in cells.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
11. Which of the following bonds is not commonly found in biomolecules?
a. C−Cl
b. C−H
c. C−N
d. O−H
ANSWER: a
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FEEDBACK: a. Correct. Carbon–chlorine bonds are uncommon in most naturally occurring
biomolecules.
b. Incorrect. Carbon–hydrogen bonds are very common in organic molecules and
biomolecules.
c. Incorrect. Carbon–nitrogen bonds occur frequently in biomolecules such as amino
acids and proteins.
d. Incorrect. Oxygen–hydrogen bonds are found in hydroxyl groups present in many
biomolecules.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.1 - Describe the characteristics of the four basic classes of small molecules found in cells.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
12. Which of the following statements regarding biopolymers is false?
a. Different sequences of the monomers can lead to different functions.
b. Only soluble polymers can be created from soluble monomers.
c. A wide, almost uncountable variety of polymers can be created from just a few monomers.
d. Different linkages between the monomers can lead to different functions.
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. The sequence of monomers in a polymer strongly influences its structure
and function.
b. Correct. Soluble monomers can form polymers that are either soluble or insoluble,
so this statement is false.
c. Incorrect. A large variety of polymers can be produced from a limited set of
monomers.
d. Incorrect. Different types of linkages between monomers can affect the properties
and functions of the resulting polymer.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
13. Which of the following statements about RNA in early biological evolution is correct?
a. RNA molecules function only as temporary copies of DNA during protein synthesis.
b. RNA molecules are polymers of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds.
c. RNA molecules can store genetic information and catalyze some biochemical reactions.
d. RNA molecules contain the sugar deoxyribose as part of their structure.
ANSWER: c
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Some RNA molecules act as messengers during protein synthesis, but
RNA also performs other roles, including catalytic functions.
b. Incorrect. RNA molecules are composed of nucleotide monomers, not amino acids.
Amino acids are the monomers of proteins.
c. Correct. RNA molecules can both store genetic information and catalyze reactions.
These properties support the RNA hypothesis for the early evolution of life.
d. Incorrect. RNA contains the sugar ribose, not deoxyribose. Deoxyribose is found in
DNA.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
14. Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between monomers and polymers in biological systems?
a. Monomers are small molecules that join together to form larger polymer molecules.
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b. Monomers are large molecules that break apart to produce smaller polymers.
c. Polymers are small molecules that combine to form larger monomer units.
d. Polymers are single molecules that cannot be assembled from smaller units.
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. Monomers are small molecules that can bond with one another to form
large macromolecules called polymers, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and
polysaccharides.
b. Incorrect. Monomers are smaller molecules, not large molecules that break apart to
form polymers.
c. Incorrect. Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating monomer units.
d. Incorrect. Polymers are assembled from many smaller monomers linked together.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
15. Which elements were present in the universe during its earliest stages according to current cosmological theory?
a. carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
b. hydrogen, helium, and lithium
c. nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorous
d. uranium, polonium, and radium
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Carbon and oxygen formed later through nuclear reactions inside stars.
b. Correct. Immediately after the Big Bang, the universe contained mainly hydrogen
and helium with small amounts of lithium.
c. Incorrect. Nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus formed later through stellar
nucleosynthesis.
d. Incorrect. Heavy radioactive elements such as uranium and radium formed much
later in stellar processes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
16. What does the term directionality mean in biological macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic
acids?
a. The molecules are arranged randomly with no specific orientation in the polymer chain.
b. The molecules contain identical monomers that cannot form ordered structures.
c. The molecules can rotate freely in solution without affecting their structure.
d. The molecules have distinct “head” and “tail” ends that determine how monomers join together.
ANSWER: d
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. The sequence of monomers in biological polymers follows a specific
orientation rather than being random.
b. Incorrect. Biological polymers often contain repeating monomers, but they still
have a specific orientation along the chain.
c. Incorrect. Molecular rotation in solution does not define directionality;
directionality refers to how monomers connect in a specific orientation.
d. Correct. Biological macromolecules have directionality because their monomers
connect in a specific orientation, creating distinct “head” and “tail” ends in the
polymer chain.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.2 - Explain the directionality that is found in proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acid.
TOPICS: Origin of Life
17. What is the chemical formula for ozone?
a. O2
b. O3
c. NH3
d. H2S
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. O2 represents molecular oxygen, which consists of two oxygen atoms.
b. Correct. Ozone is composed of three oxygen atoms and has the chemical formula
O3.
c. Incorrect. NH3 is the chemical formula for ammonia.
d. Incorrect. H2S is the chemical formula for hydrogen sulfide.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
18. It is generally believed that the following gas was missing in the primordial atmosphere:
a. H2
b. CH4
c. NH3
d. O2
ANSWER: d
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Hydrogen gas is believed to have been present in the early atmosphere.
b. Incorrect. Methane is commonly proposed as one of the gases present in the
primordial atmosphere.
c. Incorrect. Ammonia was likely present and may have contributed nitrogen for early
biomolecule formation.
d. Correct. Most theories of early Earth suggest that little or no free oxygen (O2)
existed in the primordial atmosphere.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1.1 - List the six simple molecules that may have given rise to early molecules and cells.
TOPICS: Basic Themes
19. Which of the following correctly describes a biological polymer?
a. A large molecule composed of many repeating monomer units joined together.
b. A small molecule that cannot combine with other molecules.
c. A molecule that contains only a single type of atom.
d. A molecule that breaks down into atoms during biochemical reactions.
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. A polymer is a large molecule made of repeating monomer units linked
together, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides.
b. Incorrect. Small molecules that can combine to form polymers are called
monomers.
c. Incorrect. Biological polymers contain multiple types of atoms, typically including
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.
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d. Incorrect. Polymers can be broken down into monomers through chemical
reactions, but they do not simply break down into individual atoms during normal
biochemical processes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
20. Which type of biomolecule serves as the genetic coding material in most living organisms?
a. protein
b. DNA
c. polysaccharide
d. lipid
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Proteins perform many structural and catalytic functions in cells but do
not serve as the primary genetic material.
b. Correct. DNA stores hereditary information in the sequence of its nucleotides and
functions as the primary genetic material in most organisms.
c. Incorrect. Polysaccharides are carbohydrate polymers that mainly serve structural
or energy-storage roles.
d. Incorrect. Lipids function in membranes and energy storage but do not carry
genetic information.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
21. Which molecule contains two phosphoric acid anhydride linkages that are important for cellular energy transfer?
a. ATP
b. proteins
c. glucose
d. carbon monoxide
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. ATP contains three phosphate groups linked by two phosphoric acid
anhydride bonds. These bonds store energy that can be released during biochemical
reactions.
b. Incorrect. Proteins are polymers of amino acids connected by peptide bonds, not
phosphoric acid anhydride linkages.
c. Incorrect. Glucose is a monosaccharide and does not contain phosphate anhydride
bonds.
d. Incorrect. Carbon monoxide is a small molecule composed of carbon and oxygen
and does not contain phosphate groups.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.2 - Write general structures and names of functional groups for the following classes of
compounds of biochemical importance: alkenes, alcohols, ethers, amines, thiols, aldehydes,
ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, phosphoric acid esters, and phosphoric acid
anhydrides.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
22. Which of the following best describes the results of the Miller–Urey experiment?
a. It proved that DNA is genetic material.
b. It produced proteins under simulated early Earth conditions.
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Biochemistry
Mary K. Campbell, Saul Treviño
10th Edition
,Table of Contents
Chapter 01 Biochemistry and the Organization of Cells 1
Chapter 02 Water: The Solvent for Biochemical Reactions 31
Chapter 03 Amino Acids and Peptides 62
Chapter 04 The Three Dimensional Structure of Proteins 91
Chapter 05 Protein Purification and Characterization Techniques 123
Chapter 06 The Behavior of Proteins: Enzyme Kinetics and Inhibition 149
Chapter 07 The Behavior of Enzymes: Allostery Mechanisms and Control 178
Chapter 08 Lipids and Biological Membranes 207
Chapter 09 Nucleic Acids: How Structure Conveys Information 242
Chapter 10 Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids: Replication 267
Chapter 11 Transcription of the Genetic Code: The Biosynthesis of RNA 300
Chapter 12 Protein Synthesis: Translation of the Genetic Message 335
Chapter 13 Nucleic Acid Biotechnology Techniques 366
Chapter 14 Viruses Cancer and Immunology 402
Chapter 15 The Importance of Energy Changes and Electron Transfer in Metabolism 418
Chapter 16 Carbohydrates 441
Chapter 17 Glycolysis 475
Chapter 18 Release Mechanisms Storage Mechanisms and Control in Carbohydrate
Metabolism 502
Chapter 19 The Citric Acid Cycle 531
Chapter 20 Electron Transport and Oxidative Phosphorylation 562
Chapter 21 Lipid Metabolism 588
Chapter 22 Photosynthesis 625
Chapter 23 The Metabolism of Nitrogen 654
Chapter 24 Integration of Metabolism: Cellular Signaling 683
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Test Bank - Biochemistry, 10th Edition (Campbell, 2026)
Chapter 01 - Biochemistry and the Organization of Cells
Multiple Choice
1. How do the molecules that function in living cells compare to those studied in organic chemistry?
a. They are the same molecules, just operating in a different context.
b. Biological molecules are organic molecules, but the similarity ends there.
c. Biological molecules are completely different from organic molecules.
d. Biological processes are not based on molecules but on a "vital force."
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. The molecules found in living cells follow the same chemical principles
studied in organic chemistry, but they operate within biological systems.
b. Incorrect. Biomolecules are closely related to the types of compounds studied in
organic chemistry.
c. Incorrect. Biological molecules are not fundamentally different from those studied
in organic chemistry.
d. Incorrect. The vital force theory has been disproven; biological processes are
governed by normal chemical principles.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1.1 - List the six simple molecules that may have given rise to early molecules and cells.
TOPICS: Basic Themes
2. Which of the following sequences correctly orders biological structures from the simplest level to a more complex level
of organization?
a. atom → molecule → organelle → macromolecule
b. molecule → atom → macromolecule → organelle
c. tissue → cell → organ
d. atom → macromolecule → tissue → organ
ANSWER: d
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Macromolecules are larger structures composed of many atoms and
molecules, so they would not follow organelles in this sequence.
b. Incorrect. Atoms are the simplest units and must come before molecules in the
sequence.
c. Incorrect. Cells are the basic units of tissues, so the correct order would be cell →
tissue → organ.
d. Correct. This sequence moves from simple chemical components (atoms) to
complex biological structures (organs).
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1.2 - List and briefly describe the eight levels of structural organization in the human body
TOPICS: Basic Themes
3. Which of the following best defines organic chemistry?
a. The study of compounds contained in organisms
b. The study of compounds containing organs
c. The study of compounds containing carbon
d. The study of compounds containing elements other than carbon
ANSWER: c
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Organic chemistry includes carbon-containing compounds whether or
not they occur in living organisms.
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b. Incorrect. Organic chemistry does not refer to compounds related to biological
organs.
c. Correct. Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing compounds and their
chemical reactions.
d. Incorrect. Organic compounds are characterized by the presence of carbon rather
than the absence of it.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.1 - Describe the characteristics of the four basic classes of small molecules found in cells.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
4. Which of the following is not one of the primary simple molecules that scientists believe to have contributed to the
formation of the first biomolecules on early Earth?
a. ammonia
b. carbon dioxide
c. hydrogen
d. simple carbohydrates
ANSWER: d
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Ammonia is one of the simple molecules thought to have been present in
the early Earth atmosphere.
b. Incorrect. Carbon dioxide was likely present in the early atmosphere and could
participate in early chemical reactions.
c. Incorrect. Hydrogen gas was one of the simple molecules present in the early
atmosphere.
d. Correct. Simple carbohydrates are complex organic molecules that would have
formed later from simpler precursor molecules.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1.1 - List the six simple molecules that may have given rise to early molecules and cells.
TOPICS: Basic Themes
5. Which of the following statements reflects the historical vital force theory?
a. The compounds found in living organisms are the same as those found in the nonliving systems.
b. The compounds found in living organisms can easily be produced in a laboratory.
c. The compounds found in living organisms cannot be produced in a laboratory.
d. The compounds found in living organisms are formed only by reactions involving oxygen.
ANSWER: c
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. This statement reflects the modern understanding that biological
molecules follow the same chemical principles as other organic compounds.
b. Incorrect. This statement contradicts the vital force theory and reflects modern
organic chemistry.
c. Correct. The vital force theory proposed that compounds produced by living
organisms could not be synthesized artificially in a laboratory.
d. Incorrect. The vital force theory did not specifically relate to reactions involving
oxygen.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.1 - Describe the characteristics of the four basic classes of small molecules found in cells.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
6. What was the significance of the synthesis of urea from ammonium cyanate?
a. It was a critical component of the Miller–Urey experiment.
b. It requires a protein as a catalyst to occur.
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c. It helped dispel the vital force theory.
d. It supported the vital force theory.
ANSWER: c
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. The Miller–Urey experiment investigated the formation of organic
molecules under simulated early Earth conditions.
b. Incorrect. The synthesis of urea from ammonium cyanate did not require a protein
catalyst.
c. Correct. Wöhler’s synthesis showed that an organic compound could be produced
from inorganic materials, helping to disprove the vital force theory.
d. Incorrect. The experiment contradicted rather than supported the vital force theory.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.1 - Describe the characteristics of the four basic classes of small molecules found in cells.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
7. Which of the following is not a functional group commonly found in biomolecules?
a. amino group
b. protein
c. alcohol group
d. carbonyl group
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. The amino group (–NH2) is a common functional group found in many
biomolecules, including amino acids.
b. Correct. Proteins are macromolecules composed of amino acids and are not
functional groups.
c. Incorrect. The hydroxyl (–OH) group is a common functional group found in many
biomolecules, especially carbohydrates.
d. Incorrect. The carbonyl group (C=O) is an important functional group found in
aldehydes and ketones.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.2 - Write general structures and names of functional groups for the following classes of
compounds of biochemical importance: alkenes, alcohols, ethers, amines, thiols, aldehydes,
ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, phosphoric acid esters, and phosphoric acid
anhydrides.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
8. Which of the following functional groups is characteristic of alcohols?
a. –NH
b. –OH
c. –C=O
d. C=C
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. The –NH group is associated with amines rather than alcohols.
b. Correct. The hydroxyl group (–OH) is the defining functional group of alcohols.
c. Incorrect. The C=O group is the carbonyl functional group found in aldehydes and
ketones.
d. Incorrect. The C=C bond represents an alkene functional group.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.2 - Write general structures and names of functional groups for the following classes of
compounds of biochemical importance: alkenes, alcohols, ethers, amines, thiols, aldehydes,
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ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, phosphoric acid esters, and phosphoric acid
anhydrides.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
9. Which of the following functional groups are not commonly found in biomolecules?
a. alkyl halides
b. amides
c. carboxylic acids
d. ethers
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. Alkyl halides are relatively uncommon in naturally occurring
biomolecules.
b. Incorrect. Amides are common in biomolecules, particularly in peptide bonds that
link amino acids in proteins.
c. Incorrect. Carboxylic acid groups are common in biomolecules such as fatty acids
and amino acids.
d. Incorrect. Ether linkages occur in some biomolecules, including certain lipids.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.2 - Write general structures and names of functional groups for the following classes of
compounds of biochemical importance: alkenes, alcohols, ethers, amines, thiols, aldehydes,
ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, phosphoric acid esters, and phosphoric acid
anhydrides.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
10. Which of the following statements regarding biomolecules is false?
a. They contain predominantly ionic bonds.
b. They contain predominantly nonmetallic elements.
c. Carbon is the key element in their structure.
d. Specific stereoisomers are essential in most biological activity.
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. Biomolecules are primarily held together by covalent bonds rather than
ionic bonds.
b. Incorrect. Biomolecules are composed mainly of nonmetallic elements such as
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
c. Incorrect. Carbon forms the backbone of most biomolecules.
d. Incorrect. Many biological processes depend on specific stereoisomers of
biomolecules.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.1 - Describe the characteristics of the four basic classes of small molecules found in cells.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
11. Which of the following bonds is not commonly found in biomolecules?
a. C−Cl
b. C−H
c. C−N
d. O−H
ANSWER: a
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Test Bank - Biochemistry, 10th Edition (Campbell, 2026)
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. Carbon–chlorine bonds are uncommon in most naturally occurring
biomolecules.
b. Incorrect. Carbon–hydrogen bonds are very common in organic molecules and
biomolecules.
c. Incorrect. Carbon–nitrogen bonds occur frequently in biomolecules such as amino
acids and proteins.
d. Incorrect. Oxygen–hydrogen bonds are found in hydroxyl groups present in many
biomolecules.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.1 - Describe the characteristics of the four basic classes of small molecules found in cells.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
12. Which of the following statements regarding biopolymers is false?
a. Different sequences of the monomers can lead to different functions.
b. Only soluble polymers can be created from soluble monomers.
c. A wide, almost uncountable variety of polymers can be created from just a few monomers.
d. Different linkages between the monomers can lead to different functions.
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. The sequence of monomers in a polymer strongly influences its structure
and function.
b. Correct. Soluble monomers can form polymers that are either soluble or insoluble,
so this statement is false.
c. Incorrect. A large variety of polymers can be produced from a limited set of
monomers.
d. Incorrect. Different types of linkages between monomers can affect the properties
and functions of the resulting polymer.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
13. Which of the following statements about RNA in early biological evolution is correct?
a. RNA molecules function only as temporary copies of DNA during protein synthesis.
b. RNA molecules are polymers of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds.
c. RNA molecules can store genetic information and catalyze some biochemical reactions.
d. RNA molecules contain the sugar deoxyribose as part of their structure.
ANSWER: c
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Some RNA molecules act as messengers during protein synthesis, but
RNA also performs other roles, including catalytic functions.
b. Incorrect. RNA molecules are composed of nucleotide monomers, not amino acids.
Amino acids are the monomers of proteins.
c. Correct. RNA molecules can both store genetic information and catalyze reactions.
These properties support the RNA hypothesis for the early evolution of life.
d. Incorrect. RNA contains the sugar ribose, not deoxyribose. Deoxyribose is found in
DNA.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
14. Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between monomers and polymers in biological systems?
a. Monomers are small molecules that join together to form larger polymer molecules.
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Test Bank - Biochemistry, 10th Edition (Campbell, 2026)
b. Monomers are large molecules that break apart to produce smaller polymers.
c. Polymers are small molecules that combine to form larger monomer units.
d. Polymers are single molecules that cannot be assembled from smaller units.
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. Monomers are small molecules that can bond with one another to form
large macromolecules called polymers, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and
polysaccharides.
b. Incorrect. Monomers are smaller molecules, not large molecules that break apart to
form polymers.
c. Incorrect. Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating monomer units.
d. Incorrect. Polymers are assembled from many smaller monomers linked together.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
15. Which elements were present in the universe during its earliest stages according to current cosmological theory?
a. carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
b. hydrogen, helium, and lithium
c. nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorous
d. uranium, polonium, and radium
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Carbon and oxygen formed later through nuclear reactions inside stars.
b. Correct. Immediately after the Big Bang, the universe contained mainly hydrogen
and helium with small amounts of lithium.
c. Incorrect. Nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus formed later through stellar
nucleosynthesis.
d. Incorrect. Heavy radioactive elements such as uranium and radium formed much
later in stellar processes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
16. What does the term directionality mean in biological macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic
acids?
a. The molecules are arranged randomly with no specific orientation in the polymer chain.
b. The molecules contain identical monomers that cannot form ordered structures.
c. The molecules can rotate freely in solution without affecting their structure.
d. The molecules have distinct “head” and “tail” ends that determine how monomers join together.
ANSWER: d
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. The sequence of monomers in biological polymers follows a specific
orientation rather than being random.
b. Incorrect. Biological polymers often contain repeating monomers, but they still
have a specific orientation along the chain.
c. Incorrect. Molecular rotation in solution does not define directionality;
directionality refers to how monomers connect in a specific orientation.
d. Correct. Biological macromolecules have directionality because their monomers
connect in a specific orientation, creating distinct “head” and “tail” ends in the
polymer chain.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.2 - Explain the directionality that is found in proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acid.
TOPICS: Origin of Life
17. What is the chemical formula for ozone?
a. O2
b. O3
c. NH3
d. H2S
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. O2 represents molecular oxygen, which consists of two oxygen atoms.
b. Correct. Ozone is composed of three oxygen atoms and has the chemical formula
O3.
c. Incorrect. NH3 is the chemical formula for ammonia.
d. Incorrect. H2S is the chemical formula for hydrogen sulfide.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
18. It is generally believed that the following gas was missing in the primordial atmosphere:
a. H2
b. CH4
c. NH3
d. O2
ANSWER: d
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Hydrogen gas is believed to have been present in the early atmosphere.
b. Incorrect. Methane is commonly proposed as one of the gases present in the
primordial atmosphere.
c. Incorrect. Ammonia was likely present and may have contributed nitrogen for early
biomolecule formation.
d. Correct. Most theories of early Earth suggest that little or no free oxygen (O2)
existed in the primordial atmosphere.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1.1 - List the six simple molecules that may have given rise to early molecules and cells.
TOPICS: Basic Themes
19. Which of the following correctly describes a biological polymer?
a. A large molecule composed of many repeating monomer units joined together.
b. A small molecule that cannot combine with other molecules.
c. A molecule that contains only a single type of atom.
d. A molecule that breaks down into atoms during biochemical reactions.
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. A polymer is a large molecule made of repeating monomer units linked
together, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides.
b. Incorrect. Small molecules that can combine to form polymers are called
monomers.
c. Incorrect. Biological polymers contain multiple types of atoms, typically including
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.
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d. Incorrect. Polymers can be broken down into monomers through chemical
reactions, but they do not simply break down into individual atoms during normal
biochemical processes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
20. Which type of biomolecule serves as the genetic coding material in most living organisms?
a. protein
b. DNA
c. polysaccharide
d. lipid
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Proteins perform many structural and catalytic functions in cells but do
not serve as the primary genetic material.
b. Correct. DNA stores hereditary information in the sequence of its nucleotides and
functions as the primary genetic material in most organisms.
c. Incorrect. Polysaccharides are carbohydrate polymers that mainly serve structural
or energy-storage roles.
d. Incorrect. Lipids function in membranes and energy storage but do not carry
genetic information.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3.1 - Distinguish between monomers and polymers.
TOPICS: The Beginnings of Biology
21. Which molecule contains two phosphoric acid anhydride linkages that are important for cellular energy transfer?
a. ATP
b. proteins
c. glucose
d. carbon monoxide
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. ATP contains three phosphate groups linked by two phosphoric acid
anhydride bonds. These bonds store energy that can be released during biochemical
reactions.
b. Incorrect. Proteins are polymers of amino acids connected by peptide bonds, not
phosphoric acid anhydride linkages.
c. Incorrect. Glucose is a monosaccharide and does not contain phosphate anhydride
bonds.
d. Incorrect. Carbon monoxide is a small molecule composed of carbon and oxygen
and does not contain phosphate groups.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2.2 - Write general structures and names of functional groups for the following classes of
compounds of biochemical importance: alkenes, alcohols, ethers, amines, thiols, aldehydes,
ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, phosphoric acid esters, and phosphoric acid
anhydrides.
TOPICS: Chemical Foundations of Biochemistry
22. Which of the following best describes the results of the Miller–Urey experiment?
a. It proved that DNA is genetic material.
b. It produced proteins under simulated early Earth conditions.
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