NBME BIOCHEMISTRY SHELF EXAM 2026
ASSESSMENT SCRIPT DETAILED RESPONSES
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
◉ Which number would be closest to the approximate number of
ribosomes in an E. coli cell?
9
38
400
1,500
26,000
Answer: 26,000
◉ Which of the following would most likely have a cell wall?
monkey cells
snake cells
red algae cells
human red blood cells
all of the above
, Answer: red algae cells
◉ Eukaryotes have molecules that provide a protective structure.
This network, which is found in all eukaryotes, is called the ___.
Answer: cytoskeleton
◉ What is the molecule responsible for gout?
Answer: uric acid
◉ About how many different elements are found in living
organisms?
Answer: 30
◉ Explain the common similarity between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells in at least 2 sentences.
Answer: The fundamental similarity between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells is the presence of a plasma membrane. This
structure separates life from non-life. It acts as a barrier to the
surrounding environment, but contains proteins that permit select
molecules to enter and exit the cell.
◉ Would a scientist be more likely to find an element such as O in a
biomolecule or W? Explain which they would more likely find and
give specific physical/chemical properties.
ASSESSMENT SCRIPT DETAILED RESPONSES
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
◉ Which number would be closest to the approximate number of
ribosomes in an E. coli cell?
9
38
400
1,500
26,000
Answer: 26,000
◉ Which of the following would most likely have a cell wall?
monkey cells
snake cells
red algae cells
human red blood cells
all of the above
, Answer: red algae cells
◉ Eukaryotes have molecules that provide a protective structure.
This network, which is found in all eukaryotes, is called the ___.
Answer: cytoskeleton
◉ What is the molecule responsible for gout?
Answer: uric acid
◉ About how many different elements are found in living
organisms?
Answer: 30
◉ Explain the common similarity between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells in at least 2 sentences.
Answer: The fundamental similarity between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells is the presence of a plasma membrane. This
structure separates life from non-life. It acts as a barrier to the
surrounding environment, but contains proteins that permit select
molecules to enter and exit the cell.
◉ Would a scientist be more likely to find an element such as O in a
biomolecule or W? Explain which they would more likely find and
give specific physical/chemical properties.
