Biology MCQs
Topic Notes: Biology
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
51
What is considered the primary source of chemical energy for cellular activities in biological systems?
Answer:
C-H bond
The carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bond is highly energetic and serves as the primary source of chemical energy in organic molecules. Through cellular respiration, cells break these bonds to release energy, which is then captured and stored in the form of ATP.
52
Which Nobel Prize-winning biologist is recognized for identifying ATP as the primary molecule for energy transfer within living cells?
Answer:
Fritz Lipmann
Fritz Lipmann was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1953 for his discovery of coenzyme A and his fundamental work on the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the universal energy currency in biological systems.
53
What is the standard amount of energy released during the hydrolysis of one terminal phosphate bond in an ATP molecule?
Answer:
7.3 kcal
The hydrolysis of ATP into ADP and inorganic phosphate releases approximately 7.3 kilocalories per mole under standard laboratory conditions. This energy release is fundamental to driving endergonic biological processes, such as muscle contraction, active transport, and chemical synthesis within the cell.
54
Which of the following molecules acts as an oxidizing agent for NADH?
Answer:
Coenzyme A
NADH is a high-energy electron carrier that must be oxidized to NAD+ to sustain metabolic pathways. While the provided answer key identifies Coenzyme A, it is important to note that in the electron transport chain, NADH is typically oxidized by NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I). Coenzyme A is primarily involved in the activation of fatty acids and the entry of acetyl groups into the Krebs cycle.
55
What are the products of the hydrolysis reaction involving ATP and water?
Answer:
ADP + PI + energy
The hydrolysis of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) involves the reaction of ATP with water, which breaks the terminal phosphate bond to produce Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP), an inorganic phosphate (Pi), and a significant amount of energy used for cellular processes.
56
What is the term for the biochemical pathway in which complex molecules are synthesized from simpler precursors?
Answer:
anabolism
Anabolism refers to the set of metabolic pathways that construct complex molecules from simpler units, typically requiring an input of energy. Examples include the synthesis of proteins from amino acids or the creation of glucose during photosynthesis. Anabolic processes are essential for growth, tissue repair, and the storage of energy within the organism.
57
In standard biological energy-releasing reactions involving ATP, how many high-energy phosphate bonds are typically cleaved?
Answer:
two
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) contains two high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds. When ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP and inorganic phosphate, one high-energy bond is broken. Further hydrolysis of ADP to AMP releases a second high-energy bond, totaling two high-energy bonds available for cellular work.
58
Which scientific principle governs the quantitative analysis of energy transformations within biological systems?
Answer:
Laws of thermodynamics
The quantitative study of energy relationships in biological systems is fundamentally governed by the laws of thermodynamics. These laws describe how energy is conserved and how it changes form within a system, providing the framework for understanding metabolic processes and energy flow in living organisms.
59
In which year did Fritz Lipmann propose that ATP serves as the primary energy-transfer molecule within biological cells?
Answer:
1941
Fritz Lipmann published his seminal paper in 1941, titled 'Metabolic Generation and Utilization of Phosphate Bond Energy,' in which he established the concept of high-energy phosphate bonds and identified ATP as the central currency for energy transfer in metabolic processes.
60
Which of the following biological substances is classified as a micro-molecule?
Answer:
ATP
In biological chemistry, molecules are often categorized by their molecular weight. Macromolecules, such as polysaccharides and proteins, are large polymers composed of many repeating subunits. In contrast, ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is a relatively small molecule that functions as the primary energy currency of the cell, fitting the classification of a micro-molecule compared to complex polymers.