Biochemistry - GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology
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What is the appropriate way to describe a solution with a pH of 3 compared to a solution with a pH of 6?
What is the appropriate way to describe a solution with a pH of 3 compared to a solution with a pH of 6?
The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning every whole number change on the scale reflects a ten-fold change in acidity. Since a pH of 3 is three numbers higher than a pH of 6, we can find the change in acidity by taking 10 to the third power.
The solution with a pH of 3 is 1000 times more acidic than the solution with a pH of 6.
The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning every whole number change on the scale reflects a ten-fold change in acidity. Since a pH of 3 is three numbers higher than a pH of 6, we can find the change in acidity by taking 10 to the third power.
The solution with a pH of 3 is 1000 times more acidic than the solution with a pH of 6.
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What is the pH of a 0.03M hydrochloric acid solution?
What is the pH of a 0.03M hydrochloric acid solution?
Since hydrochloric acid is considered a strong acid, we can assume that the acid will dissociate completely, leaving us with a 0.03M concentration of hydronium ions. Knowing this, we can calculate the pH by taking the negative log of the hydronium concentration:
Since hydrochloric acid is considered a strong acid, we can assume that the acid will dissociate completely, leaving us with a 0.03M concentration of hydronium ions. Knowing this, we can calculate the pH by taking the negative log of the hydronium concentration:
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What is the concentration of hydroxide ions in a 1M hydrochloric acid solution?
What is the concentration of hydroxide ions in a 1M hydrochloric acid solution?
To solve this question we need to first look at the relationship between hydroxide and hydrogen ion concentrations:
where 
is concentration of hydrogen ions and 
is the concentration of hydroxide ions. Solve for 
:
We can solve for the concentration of hydrogen ions in this solution by writing the dissociation of hydrochloric acid in solution:
The question states that it is a 1M solution. Since 
and 
are in 1:1 ratio, the concentration of hydrogen ions will equal the concentration 
; therefore, 
. Note that this won’t be the case if the acid was weak. For a weak acid, the concentration of 
will be less than the concentration of acid, even if it was 1:1 ratio. This occurs because a weak acid does not dissociate completely.
We can now use the 
to solve for 
.
Therefore, concentration of hydroxide ions in this solution is 
To solve this question we need to first look at the relationship between hydroxide and hydrogen ion concentrations:
where
We can solve for the concentration of hydrogen ions in this solution by writing the dissociation of hydrochloric acid in solution:
The question states that it is a 1M solution. Since
We can now use the
Therefore, concentration of hydroxide ions in this solution is
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Which of the following substances is considered a Lewis acid?
Which of the following substances is considered a Lewis acid?
Recall that acids and bases can be defined in three different ways. First, the Arrhenius definition states that an acid is a substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in solution whereas a base decreases hydrogen ions concentration. Second, Bronsted-Lowry definition states that an acid is any substance that donates a proton whereas a base is any substance that accepts a proton. Finally, Lewis definition states that an acid is any substance that accepts an electron pair whereas a base is a substance that donates an electron pair.
We have two substances in this question. 
, or borane, is considered a Lewis acid because it accepts an electron pair. Boron has four orbitals in its outermost shell. If we look at Boron in borane, we will notice that three orbitals are occupied by the electrons in the three single bonds (bound to hydrogen) whereas the last orbital is empty and is free to accept electrons. Since it accepts electrons, borane is considered a lewis acid. 
, or ammonia, is a lewis base. If we look at the nitrogen atom in ammonia, we will notice that all of its orbitals are occupied (three orbitals are occupied with the three bonds to hydrogen atoms and the last orbital is occupied with a lone electron pair). Since it has extra electrons in the last orbital, ammonia can donate electrons and is considered a lewis base.
Recall that acids and bases can be defined in three different ways. First, the Arrhenius definition states that an acid is a substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in solution whereas a base decreases hydrogen ions concentration. Second, Bronsted-Lowry definition states that an acid is any substance that donates a proton whereas a base is any substance that accepts a proton. Finally, Lewis definition states that an acid is any substance that accepts an electron pair whereas a base is a substance that donates an electron pair.
We have two substances in this question.
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Solutions A and B are both made up of an acidic solution. After analysis, it is observed that the 
of solution A is higher whereas the 
of acid in solution B is lower. What can be concluded about these results?
Solutions A and B are both made up of an acidic solution. After analysis, it is observed that the
The question states that the 
of solution A is higher. The definition of 
is:
If we rearrange and solve for concentration of hydroxide ions, we get
This means that 
decreases as 
increases. The relationship between hydroxide ion and hydrogen ion is as follows
Note that the hydroxide ion concentration is inversely proportional to that of hydrogen ions; therefore, lower hydroxide ion concentration leads to higher hydrogen ion concentration and higher acidity. Since solution A has the higher 
, its hydroxide ion concentration is lower than solution B. This means that solution A has higher hydrogen ion concentration and, therefore, is more acidic than solution B.
The question also states that the 
of solution B is lower. Recall that as 
of an acid decreases it becomes more acidic. Based on this, we conclude that solution B is more acidic. The two results given in this question conflict each other; therefore, these results seem invalid.
The question states that the
If we rearrange and solve for concentration of hydroxide ions, we get
This means that
Note that the hydroxide ion concentration is inversely proportional to that of hydrogen ions; therefore, lower hydroxide ion concentration leads to higher hydrogen ion concentration and higher acidity. Since solution A has the higher
The question also states that the
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The pH of a solution __________ when the acid dissociation constant __________.
The pH of a solution __________ when the acid dissociation constant __________.
Acid dissociation constant, or 
, for a prototypical acid-base reaction is defined as
where 
is an acid and 
is its conjugate base. Based on this equation, we can determine that 
and 
are directly proportional to one another; therefore, increasing 
will increase 
and vice versa.
Recall the definition of 
Solving for 
gives us
This means that increasing pH will decrease 
and vice versa (has the opposite effect on each other); therefore, 
and 
also have an opposite effect on each other.
Acid dissociation constant, or
where
Recall the definition of
Solving for
This means that increasing pH will decrease
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A buffer can be created by adding equal amounts of weak acid and its conjugate base. What additional information is needed to determine the pKa of a buffer made in this manner?
A buffer can be created by adding equal amounts of weak acid and its conjugate base. What additional information is needed to determine the pKa of a buffer made in this manner?
The buffer is made by using weak acid and its conjugate base. The relationship between the concentration of the components (acid and conjugate base), pKa, and pH can be determined by using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.
where 
is weak acid and 
is the conjugate base. We know that equal amounts of 
and 
are added; therefore, 
for buffer solutions made in this manner. To calculate the pKa of the solution we need the pH.
The buffer is made by using weak acid and its conjugate base. The relationship between the concentration of the components (acid and conjugate base), pKa, and pH can be determined by using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.
where
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A researcher adds 
acid to 
. The concentration of hydrogen ions is __________ as the concentration of hydroxide ions.
A researcher adds
Hydrochloric acid (
) and sodium hydroxide (
) are both strong reagents. Adding equal amounts of strong acid to a strong base neutralizes the solution and gives the solution a neutral pH of 7. This means that the concentration of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions are equal to each other. If pH was greater than 7 (basic pH), then the hydroxide ion concentration would be higher and if pH was less than 7 (acidic pH) then hydrogen ion concentration would be higher.
Hydrochloric acid (
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Solution A contains a weak acid and a weak base whereas solution B contains a weak acid and a strong base. What can you conclude about these two solutions?
I. Solution B will have a higher 
II. Solution B will have a higher pOH
III. Solution A will have a lower concentration of hydroxide ions
Solution A contains a weak acid and a weak base whereas solution B contains a weak acid and a strong base. What can you conclude about these two solutions?
I. Solution B will have a higher
II. Solution B will have a higher pOH
III. Solution A will have a lower concentration of hydroxide ions
Solution A has two weak reagents whereas solution B contains a strong base. This means that solution B will be more basic, will have a higher concentration of hydroxide ions, and a higher pH. 
is a constant and is not altered by the relative reagents (it is always equal to 
). Recall that pOH is defined as
This equation suggests that pOH decreases as the hydroxide ion concentration increases. Since it has the higher hydroxide ion concentration, solution B will have a lower pOH.
Solution A has two weak reagents whereas solution B contains a strong base. This means that solution B will be more basic, will have a higher concentration of hydroxide ions, and a higher pH.
This equation suggests that pOH decreases as the hydroxide ion concentration increases. Since it has the higher hydroxide ion concentration, solution B will have a lower pOH.
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What is the pH of a solution composed of 
acetic acid and 
acetate?
for acetic acid is 
What is the pH of a solution composed of
Since this problem involves both the acid and the conjugate base of the acid, we can use the Henderson-Hasselbach equation in order to determine the pH of the solution:
Since this problem involves both the acid and the conjugate base of the acid, we can use the Henderson-Hasselbach equation in order to determine the pH of the solution:
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If a 
solution of hydrofluoric acid is created, what fluoride ion concentration must be present in order to make the new pH of the solution equal to 
?
for hydrofluoric acid is 
If a
In order to determine what concentration of fluoride is needed, we can use the Henderson-Hasselbach equation:
In order to determine what concentration of fluoride is needed, we can use the Henderson-Hasselbach equation:
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Which of the following mnemonics is helpful in remembering the relationship between anabolism and catabolism?
Which of the following mnemonics is helpful in remembering the relationship between anabolism and catabolism?
ABCD correlates to anabolism=build catabolism=destroy. Anabolism is the constructive phase of metabolism during which tissues are built. Catabolism is the opposite of anabolism, representing the destructive phase of metabolism. Metabolism is the total of all the chemical changes that take place in the body.
STEVE is the pathway of sperm through the male reproductive system: Seminiferous Tubules, Epididymis, Vas Deferens, Ejaculatory duct. PAD is the layers of the meninges: Piamater, Arachnoid mater, Dura mater. RICE refers to the treatment for an injury to a joint: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. AWSOME is the signs and symptoms of depression: Affect flat, Weight change, Energy loss, Sad feelings, Others (guilt, loss of pleasure, hopelessness), Memory loss, Emotional blunting.
ABCD correlates to anabolism=build catabolism=destroy. Anabolism is the constructive phase of metabolism during which tissues are built. Catabolism is the opposite of anabolism, representing the destructive phase of metabolism. Metabolism is the total of all the chemical changes that take place in the body.
STEVE is the pathway of sperm through the male reproductive system: Seminiferous Tubules, Epididymis, Vas Deferens, Ejaculatory duct. PAD is the layers of the meninges: Piamater, Arachnoid mater, Dura mater. RICE refers to the treatment for an injury to a joint: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. AWSOME is the signs and symptoms of depression: Affect flat, Weight change, Energy loss, Sad feelings, Others (guilt, loss of pleasure, hopelessness), Memory loss, Emotional blunting.
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Which three elements are capable of participating in hydrogen bonding?
Which three elements are capable of participating in hydrogen bonding?
A hydrogen bond is the weak attraction of a covalently bonded hydrogen to nearby fluorine, oxygen, or nitrogen (FON) atoms. These attractions can occur within a single molecule (intramolecular) or between two distinct molecules in close proximity (intermolecular). Hydrogen bonds give water its cohesiveness and its surface tension.
A hydrogen bond is the weak attraction of a covalently bonded hydrogen to nearby fluorine, oxygen, or nitrogen (FON) atoms. These attractions can occur within a single molecule (intramolecular) or between two distinct molecules in close proximity (intermolecular). Hydrogen bonds give water its cohesiveness and its surface tension.
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The strength of bonds and intermolecular forces, from strong to weak, can be recalled by the use of the mnemonic "I Can't Handle Dirty Vans," which stands for __________.
The strength of bonds and intermolecular forces, from strong to weak, can be recalled by the use of the mnemonic "I Can't Handle Dirty Vans," which stands for __________.
Ionic bonds form when one or more electrons from an atom are removed and attached to another atom resulting in positive and negative ions that attract each other. Sodium chloride is an example of an ionic compound. Covalent bonds form when one or more pairs of electrons are shared by two atoms. Hydrochloric acid is an example of a covalent compound. A hydrogen bond is a force of attraction between a hydrogen atom in one molecule and a small atom of high electronegativity (oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) in another molecule. Water molecules are capable of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. A dipole-dipole bond is an attractive force between the positive end of one polar molecule and the negative end of another polar molecule. Iodine monochloride molecules show dipole-dipole attraction. Van der Waals forces arise from spontaneous changes in electron density; these occur in all chemical molecules regardless of composition and are extremely weak interactions.
Ionic bonds form when one or more electrons from an atom are removed and attached to another atom resulting in positive and negative ions that attract each other. Sodium chloride is an example of an ionic compound. Covalent bonds form when one or more pairs of electrons are shared by two atoms. Hydrochloric acid is an example of a covalent compound. A hydrogen bond is a force of attraction between a hydrogen atom in one molecule and a small atom of high electronegativity (oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) in another molecule. Water molecules are capable of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. A dipole-dipole bond is an attractive force between the positive end of one polar molecule and the negative end of another polar molecule. Iodine monochloride molecules show dipole-dipole attraction. Van der Waals forces arise from spontaneous changes in electron density; these occur in all chemical molecules regardless of composition and are extremely weak interactions.
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A mnemonic for remembering whether energy is required or released when chemical bonds are formed is __________.
A mnemonic for remembering whether energy is required or released when chemical bonds are formed is __________.
Energy is absorbed when bonds break. The energy required to break the bond is absorbed from the surroundings. You have to put energy into a molecule to break its chemical bond.
Energy is released when bonds form. Bond formation represents a stable configuration of atoms. If breaking a bond absorbs energy, forming a bond must release energy; thus, the mnemonic BARF—Break (a bond), Absorb (energy), Release (energy), Form (a bond).
SCAN is the mnemonic for the magnetic field induced in a coil—south clockwise, anticlockwise north. PASS stands for pull, aim, squeeze, sweep—how to use a fire extinguisher. RICE is the treatment for an injury to a joint: rest, ice, compression, elevation. LEO says GER is a mnemonic for loss of electrons is oxidation, gain of electrons is reduction.
Energy is absorbed when bonds break. The energy required to break the bond is absorbed from the surroundings. You have to put energy into a molecule to break its chemical bond.
Energy is released when bonds form. Bond formation represents a stable configuration of atoms. If breaking a bond absorbs energy, forming a bond must release energy; thus, the mnemonic BARF—Break (a bond), Absorb (energy), Release (energy), Form (a bond).
SCAN is the mnemonic for the magnetic field induced in a coil—south clockwise, anticlockwise north. PASS stands for pull, aim, squeeze, sweep—how to use a fire extinguisher. RICE is the treatment for an injury to a joint: rest, ice, compression, elevation. LEO says GER is a mnemonic for loss of electrons is oxidation, gain of electrons is reduction.
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__________ is an enzyme used to help break down glycogen. The end product is __________.
__________ is an enzyme used to help break down glycogen. The end product is __________.
Phosphorylases are enzymes that attach phosphate groups to acceptors by breaking a chemical bond. Phosphatases are enzymes that remove phosphate groups.
Glycogen catabolism occurs by activation of glycogen phosphorylase, which then catalyzes the reaction of glycogen into glucose-1-phosphate (and a glycogen chain that is one glucose shorter).
Phosphorylases are enzymes that attach phosphate groups to acceptors by breaking a chemical bond. Phosphatases are enzymes that remove phosphate groups.
Glycogen catabolism occurs by activation of glycogen phosphorylase, which then catalyzes the reaction of glycogen into glucose-1-phosphate (and a glycogen chain that is one glucose shorter).
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__________ helps transfer fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix.
__________ helps transfer fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix.
Carnitine is ultimately responsible for helping fatty acids enter into the mitochondrial matrix. Acyl-CoA is actually the activated fatty acid that is being transferred. Carnitine reacts with acyl-CoA, and the newly formed acyl carnitine is moved into the mitochondrial matrix by a translocase.
Biotin is a vitamin that has many functions, including aiding in fatty acid synthesis. There is no protein that is actually called fatty acid transferase.
Carnitine is ultimately responsible for helping fatty acids enter into the mitochondrial matrix. Acyl-CoA is actually the activated fatty acid that is being transferred. Carnitine reacts with acyl-CoA, and the newly formed acyl carnitine is moved into the mitochondrial matrix by a translocase.
Biotin is a vitamin that has many functions, including aiding in fatty acid synthesis. There is no protein that is actually called fatty acid transferase.
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Which of the following statements about catabolic pathways are not true?
Which of the following statements about catabolic pathways are not true?
Macromolecules, such as peptides, polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins can be broken down to provide energy as well as operate in reverse through anabolic pathways. Anabolic and catabolic processes can occur simultaneously. All of the other answers are true.
Macromolecules, such as peptides, polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins can be broken down to provide energy as well as operate in reverse through anabolic pathways. Anabolic and catabolic processes can occur simultaneously. All of the other answers are true.
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Which of the following cellular processes is defined as a catabolic reaction?
Which of the following cellular processes is defined as a catabolic reaction?
A catabolic reaction is defined as a reaction in which a large molecule is broken down into smaller subunits. Of the following options, all listed are anabolic except for glycolysis. Glycolysis is the process of converting a glucose molecule into 2 pyruvate molecules, which classifies it as catabolic in nature.
A catabolic reaction is defined as a reaction in which a large molecule is broken down into smaller subunits. Of the following options, all listed are anabolic except for glycolysis. Glycolysis is the process of converting a glucose molecule into 2 pyruvate molecules, which classifies it as catabolic in nature.
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Glycogen is a polymer of glucose that is held together by __________ bonds. The branch points are held together by __________ bonds.
Glycogen is a polymer of glucose that is held together by __________ bonds. The branch points are held together by __________ bonds.
bonds are on the same plane, while 
bonds are not on the same plane; therefore, the 
bonds are much more useful for making branch points off of existing glycogen chains.
linkages cannot be easily broken down by eukaryotes and animals. Glycogen must be easily accessible as an energy source, and does not contain any glycosidic linkages.
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