MURPHY 301 EXAM
INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY
Comprehensive Practice Examination • 2026/2027 Edition
MURPHY 301 EXAM – INTRODUCTION TO
BIOCHEMISTRY
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM (2026/2027 EDITION)
This practice examination is aligned with the Rutgers University Introduction to Biochemistry
(Murphy 301) curriculum and current, evidence-based biochemical science. It contains 200
multiple-choice questions organized into ten sections, each with a complete rationale for the correct
answer. Questions emphasize application and analysis (≈75%) alongside direct recall (≈25%),
reflecting the cognitive demands of the Murphy 301 examination.
Section Topic Questions
Section 1 Foundations of Biochemistry – The Molecular Basis of Life, Biomolecules, pH,25
Buffers, and the Cell
Section 2 Amino Acids & Protein Structure – Classification, Peptide Bonds, Primary to Quaternary
30 Structure, and Foldi
Section 3 Protein Function & Hemoglobin – Myoglobin vs. Hemoglobin, Cooperativity, 2,3-BPG,
20 Sickle Cell Mutation
Section 4 Enzyme Kinetics & Thermodynamics – Catalysis, Inhibition, Regulation, ΔG, and
25 Bioenergetics
Section 5 Carbohydrates & Lipids – Monosaccharides, Fatty Acids, Triglycerides, Phospholipids,
20 and Membranes
Section 6 Metabolic Pathways – Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway,
25 and Glycogen Metabolism
Section 7 The Citric Acid Cycle & Oxidative Phosphorylation – CAC Intermediates, Anaplerotic
20 Reactions, ETC, ATP Syn
Section 8 Nucleic Acids & Molecular Biology – DNA, RNA, Genome, and Genetic Information
15 Flow
Section 9 Membrane Transport & Signaling – Membrane Structure, Transport Proteins,10
and Cell Signaling
Section 10 Integrated Scenario-Based Questions – Complex Biochemical Scenarios 10
TOTAL 200
How to use this exam: Work through the sections in order, marking your answers. Each item shows
four options (A–D) with exactly one correct response, followed by the answer and a rationale. A
consolidated answer key appears at the end for quick scoring.
,MURPHY 301 — Introduction to Biochemistry Comprehensive Practice Exam (2026/2027)
Section 1: Foundations of Biochemistry – The Molecular Basis of Life,
Biomolecules, pH, Buffers, and the Cell
Q1: Which statement best defines biochemistry?
A. The study of how organisms are classified into taxonomic groups
B. The study of the chemical processes and molecules that underlie life [CORRECT]
C. The study of the gross anatomical structure of plants and animals
D. The study of geological processes that produce fossils
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Biochemistry is the study of the molecular basis of life—the chemical processes and molecules
(proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids) that underlie living systems. Taxonomy, gross anatomy, and
geology describe other fields, not biochemistry.
Q2: The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms is the:
A. organ
B. tissue
C. cell [CORRECT]
D. organelle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life. Organs and tissues are made of cells, and
organelles are subunits within cells.
Q3: The ultimate source of energy for nearly all life on Earth is the:
A. sun [CORRECT]
B. Earth's molten core
C. atmospheric lightning
D. radioactive decay in rocks
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Photosynthetic organisms capture solar energy and convert it into chemical energy that fuels
essentially all life. Geothermal heat, lightning, and radioactivity are negligible energy sources for life.
Q4: Which element is NOT a common component of biomolecules?
A. carbon
B. nitrogen
C. chlorine [CORRECT]
D. oxygen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Biomolecules are built primarily from carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen (with some sulfur
and phosphorus). Chlorine is not a common component of biomolecules.
Q5: A solution with a pH of 7 is best described as:
A. acidic
B. neutral [CORRECT]
C. basic
D. a saturated buffer
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: pH 7 is neutral; values below 7 are acidic and values above 7 are basic. Buffer status is unrelated to
neutrality per se.
Page 2 of 43
,MURPHY 301 — Introduction to Biochemistry Comprehensive Practice Exam (2026/2027)
Q6: A laboratory solution is measured and found to have a pH of 4.2. This solution is:
A. strongly basic
B. neutral
C. acidic [CORRECT]
D. free of hydrogen ions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A pH below 7 indicates an acidic solution. Being acidic does not mean hydrogen ions are absent; on
the contrary, [H⁺] is relatively high.
Q7: Buffers function primarily by:
A. raising the pH of every solution to 14
B. resisting changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added [CORRECT]
C. removing all hydrogen ions from solution
D. increasing the temperature of the solution
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Buffers resist pH changes when small amounts of acid or base are added, via a weak acid and its
conjugate base. They do not eliminate H⁺ or set pH to an extreme.
Q8: The normal pH of human blood is approximately:
A. 6.0
B. 7.0
C. 7.4 [CORRECT]
D. 8.0
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Human blood pH is tightly maintained near 7.4, slightly alkaline. Deviation outside roughly
7.35–7.45 is life-threatening.
Q9: The pH of human blood is maintained primarily by which buffer system?
A. the phosphate buffer system
B. the bicarbonate buffer system [CORRECT]
C. the acetate buffer system
D. the ammonia buffer system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The bicarbonate buffer system (CO₂/HCO₃⁻) is the principal pH buffer of blood. Phosphate is
important intracellularly, while acetate and ammonia systems are not primary in blood.
Q10: The functional group –COOH is called a(n):
A. amino group
B. carboxyl group [CORRECT]
C. hydroxyl group
D. sulfhydryl group
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: –COOH is a carboxyl (carboxylic acid) group. –NH₂ is amino, –OH is hydroxyl, and –SH is sulfhydryl.
Q11: The functional group –NH₂ is called a(n):
A. amino group [CORRECT]
B. carbonyl group
C. phosphate group
D. methyl group
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: –NH₂ is the amino group, characteristic of amino acids and nucleotide bases. Carbonyl is C=O,
phosphate is –PO₄, and methyl is –CH₃.
Page 3 of 43
, MURPHY 301 — Introduction to Biochemistry Comprehensive Practice Exam (2026/2027)
Q12: The functional group –OH is called a(n):
A. sulfhydryl group
B. carbonyl group
C. hydroxyl group [CORRECT]
D. ester group
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: –OH is the hydroxyl group, found in alcohols, sugars, and water. Sulfhydryl is –SH, carbonyl is C=O.
Q13: The functional group –SH is called a(n):
A. hydroxyl group
B. sulfhydryl (thiol) group [CORRECT]
C. amino group
D. phosphoryl group
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: –SH is the sulfhydryl (thiol) group, present in cysteine. It is not hydroxyl (–OH), amino (–NH₂), or
phosphoryl (–PO₃²⁻).
Q14: If the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution is 1 × 10⁻⁴ M, its pH is:
A. 4 [CORRECT]
B. 10
C. 1.4
D. 40
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: pH = −log[H⁺], so pH = −log(1 × 10⁻⁴) = 4. The other values misapply the log relationship.
Q15: Which equation correctly defines pH?
A. pH = log[H⁺]
B. pH = −log[H⁺] [CORRECT]
C. pH = −log[OH⁻]
D. pH = 14 + log[H⁺]
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. The other expressions
define pOH or are algebraically incorrect.
Q16: Which property of water is most responsible for its role as the solvent of life?
A. its low heat capacity
B. its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds [CORRECT]
C. its nonpolar covalent bonds
D. its inability to dissolve ionic compounds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Water's polarity and hydrogen-bonding ability let it dissolve ions and polar molecules. Water
actually has a high heat capacity and readily dissolves ionic compounds.
Page 4 of 43
INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY
Comprehensive Practice Examination • 2026/2027 Edition
MURPHY 301 EXAM – INTRODUCTION TO
BIOCHEMISTRY
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM (2026/2027 EDITION)
This practice examination is aligned with the Rutgers University Introduction to Biochemistry
(Murphy 301) curriculum and current, evidence-based biochemical science. It contains 200
multiple-choice questions organized into ten sections, each with a complete rationale for the correct
answer. Questions emphasize application and analysis (≈75%) alongside direct recall (≈25%),
reflecting the cognitive demands of the Murphy 301 examination.
Section Topic Questions
Section 1 Foundations of Biochemistry – The Molecular Basis of Life, Biomolecules, pH,25
Buffers, and the Cell
Section 2 Amino Acids & Protein Structure – Classification, Peptide Bonds, Primary to Quaternary
30 Structure, and Foldi
Section 3 Protein Function & Hemoglobin – Myoglobin vs. Hemoglobin, Cooperativity, 2,3-BPG,
20 Sickle Cell Mutation
Section 4 Enzyme Kinetics & Thermodynamics – Catalysis, Inhibition, Regulation, ΔG, and
25 Bioenergetics
Section 5 Carbohydrates & Lipids – Monosaccharides, Fatty Acids, Triglycerides, Phospholipids,
20 and Membranes
Section 6 Metabolic Pathways – Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway,
25 and Glycogen Metabolism
Section 7 The Citric Acid Cycle & Oxidative Phosphorylation – CAC Intermediates, Anaplerotic
20 Reactions, ETC, ATP Syn
Section 8 Nucleic Acids & Molecular Biology – DNA, RNA, Genome, and Genetic Information
15 Flow
Section 9 Membrane Transport & Signaling – Membrane Structure, Transport Proteins,10
and Cell Signaling
Section 10 Integrated Scenario-Based Questions – Complex Biochemical Scenarios 10
TOTAL 200
How to use this exam: Work through the sections in order, marking your answers. Each item shows
four options (A–D) with exactly one correct response, followed by the answer and a rationale. A
consolidated answer key appears at the end for quick scoring.
,MURPHY 301 — Introduction to Biochemistry Comprehensive Practice Exam (2026/2027)
Section 1: Foundations of Biochemistry – The Molecular Basis of Life,
Biomolecules, pH, Buffers, and the Cell
Q1: Which statement best defines biochemistry?
A. The study of how organisms are classified into taxonomic groups
B. The study of the chemical processes and molecules that underlie life [CORRECT]
C. The study of the gross anatomical structure of plants and animals
D. The study of geological processes that produce fossils
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Biochemistry is the study of the molecular basis of life—the chemical processes and molecules
(proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids) that underlie living systems. Taxonomy, gross anatomy, and
geology describe other fields, not biochemistry.
Q2: The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms is the:
A. organ
B. tissue
C. cell [CORRECT]
D. organelle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life. Organs and tissues are made of cells, and
organelles are subunits within cells.
Q3: The ultimate source of energy for nearly all life on Earth is the:
A. sun [CORRECT]
B. Earth's molten core
C. atmospheric lightning
D. radioactive decay in rocks
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Photosynthetic organisms capture solar energy and convert it into chemical energy that fuels
essentially all life. Geothermal heat, lightning, and radioactivity are negligible energy sources for life.
Q4: Which element is NOT a common component of biomolecules?
A. carbon
B. nitrogen
C. chlorine [CORRECT]
D. oxygen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Biomolecules are built primarily from carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen (with some sulfur
and phosphorus). Chlorine is not a common component of biomolecules.
Q5: A solution with a pH of 7 is best described as:
A. acidic
B. neutral [CORRECT]
C. basic
D. a saturated buffer
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: pH 7 is neutral; values below 7 are acidic and values above 7 are basic. Buffer status is unrelated to
neutrality per se.
Page 2 of 43
,MURPHY 301 — Introduction to Biochemistry Comprehensive Practice Exam (2026/2027)
Q6: A laboratory solution is measured and found to have a pH of 4.2. This solution is:
A. strongly basic
B. neutral
C. acidic [CORRECT]
D. free of hydrogen ions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A pH below 7 indicates an acidic solution. Being acidic does not mean hydrogen ions are absent; on
the contrary, [H⁺] is relatively high.
Q7: Buffers function primarily by:
A. raising the pH of every solution to 14
B. resisting changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added [CORRECT]
C. removing all hydrogen ions from solution
D. increasing the temperature of the solution
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Buffers resist pH changes when small amounts of acid or base are added, via a weak acid and its
conjugate base. They do not eliminate H⁺ or set pH to an extreme.
Q8: The normal pH of human blood is approximately:
A. 6.0
B. 7.0
C. 7.4 [CORRECT]
D. 8.0
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Human blood pH is tightly maintained near 7.4, slightly alkaline. Deviation outside roughly
7.35–7.45 is life-threatening.
Q9: The pH of human blood is maintained primarily by which buffer system?
A. the phosphate buffer system
B. the bicarbonate buffer system [CORRECT]
C. the acetate buffer system
D. the ammonia buffer system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The bicarbonate buffer system (CO₂/HCO₃⁻) is the principal pH buffer of blood. Phosphate is
important intracellularly, while acetate and ammonia systems are not primary in blood.
Q10: The functional group –COOH is called a(n):
A. amino group
B. carboxyl group [CORRECT]
C. hydroxyl group
D. sulfhydryl group
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: –COOH is a carboxyl (carboxylic acid) group. –NH₂ is amino, –OH is hydroxyl, and –SH is sulfhydryl.
Q11: The functional group –NH₂ is called a(n):
A. amino group [CORRECT]
B. carbonyl group
C. phosphate group
D. methyl group
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: –NH₂ is the amino group, characteristic of amino acids and nucleotide bases. Carbonyl is C=O,
phosphate is –PO₄, and methyl is –CH₃.
Page 3 of 43
, MURPHY 301 — Introduction to Biochemistry Comprehensive Practice Exam (2026/2027)
Q12: The functional group –OH is called a(n):
A. sulfhydryl group
B. carbonyl group
C. hydroxyl group [CORRECT]
D. ester group
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: –OH is the hydroxyl group, found in alcohols, sugars, and water. Sulfhydryl is –SH, carbonyl is C=O.
Q13: The functional group –SH is called a(n):
A. hydroxyl group
B. sulfhydryl (thiol) group [CORRECT]
C. amino group
D. phosphoryl group
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: –SH is the sulfhydryl (thiol) group, present in cysteine. It is not hydroxyl (–OH), amino (–NH₂), or
phosphoryl (–PO₃²⁻).
Q14: If the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution is 1 × 10⁻⁴ M, its pH is:
A. 4 [CORRECT]
B. 10
C. 1.4
D. 40
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: pH = −log[H⁺], so pH = −log(1 × 10⁻⁴) = 4. The other values misapply the log relationship.
Q15: Which equation correctly defines pH?
A. pH = log[H⁺]
B. pH = −log[H⁺] [CORRECT]
C. pH = −log[OH⁻]
D. pH = 14 + log[H⁺]
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. The other expressions
define pOH or are algebraically incorrect.
Q16: Which property of water is most responsible for its role as the solvent of life?
A. its low heat capacity
B. its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds [CORRECT]
C. its nonpolar covalent bonds
D. its inability to dissolve ionic compounds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Water's polarity and hydrogen-bonding ability let it dissolve ions and polar molecules. Water
actually has a high heat capacity and readily dissolves ionic compounds.
Page 4 of 43
