A&P 1 101 - Portage Learning
Module 2 Exam: The Chemical, Cellular, and Tissue Levels of
Organization
Questions & Rationale
Q1: Which subatomic particle is primarily responsible for determining the chemical
behavior of an atom?
● A. Neutron
● B. Electron [CORRECT]
● C. Proton
● D. Nucleus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Electrons occupy the outermost energy levels (valence shell) of an atom and
participate in chemical bonding. The number and arrangement of electrons determine
how an atom will interact with other atoms—whether it will donate, accept, or share
electrons. Protons (C) and neutrons (A) are located in the nucleus and determine atomic
identity and mass, but not chemical reactivity. The nucleus (D) contains protons and
neutrons but does not directly participate in chemical reactions.
Q2: A covalent bond forms when:
● A. One atom transfers an electron to another atom
● B. Atoms are attracted to each other due to opposite charges
● C. Two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons [CORRECT]
● D. Hydrogen atoms interact with oxygen or nitrogen atoms
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: Covalent bonding involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms,
allowing each atom to achieve a stable electron configuration. This is distinct from ionic
bonding (A—electron transfer) or hydrogen bonding (D—a weak intermolecular
attraction). Opposite charge attraction (B) describes ionic interactions after electron
transfer has occurred.
Q3: Which type of chemical reaction releases energy and involves the breakdown of
complex molecules into simpler ones?
● A. Anabolism
● B. Catabolism [CORRECT]
● C. Endergonic reaction
● D. Dehydration synthesis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Catabolism refers to decomposition reactions that break down complex
molecules (like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) into simpler components, releasing
energy in the process. This is a fundamental concept in metabolism. Anabolism (A) and
dehydration synthesis (D) build complex molecules and require energy input
(endergonic). Endergonic reactions (C) absorb energy, which is the opposite of what the
question describes.
Q4: Water molecules exhibit cohesion due to:
● A. Ionic bonds between hydrogen and oxygen atoms
● B. Hydrogen bonding between adjacent water molecules [CORRECT]
● C. Covalent bonds between hydrogen atoms
● D. Hydrophobic interactions at the water surface
Correct Answer: B
Module 2 Exam: The Chemical, Cellular, and Tissue Levels of
Organization
Questions & Rationale
Q1: Which subatomic particle is primarily responsible for determining the chemical
behavior of an atom?
● A. Neutron
● B. Electron [CORRECT]
● C. Proton
● D. Nucleus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Electrons occupy the outermost energy levels (valence shell) of an atom and
participate in chemical bonding. The number and arrangement of electrons determine
how an atom will interact with other atoms—whether it will donate, accept, or share
electrons. Protons (C) and neutrons (A) are located in the nucleus and determine atomic
identity and mass, but not chemical reactivity. The nucleus (D) contains protons and
neutrons but does not directly participate in chemical reactions.
Q2: A covalent bond forms when:
● A. One atom transfers an electron to another atom
● B. Atoms are attracted to each other due to opposite charges
● C. Two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons [CORRECT]
● D. Hydrogen atoms interact with oxygen or nitrogen atoms
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: Covalent bonding involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms,
allowing each atom to achieve a stable electron configuration. This is distinct from ionic
bonding (A—electron transfer) or hydrogen bonding (D—a weak intermolecular
attraction). Opposite charge attraction (B) describes ionic interactions after electron
transfer has occurred.
Q3: Which type of chemical reaction releases energy and involves the breakdown of
complex molecules into simpler ones?
● A. Anabolism
● B. Catabolism [CORRECT]
● C. Endergonic reaction
● D. Dehydration synthesis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Catabolism refers to decomposition reactions that break down complex
molecules (like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) into simpler components, releasing
energy in the process. This is a fundamental concept in metabolism. Anabolism (A) and
dehydration synthesis (D) build complex molecules and require energy input
(endergonic). Endergonic reactions (C) absorb energy, which is the opposite of what the
question describes.
Q4: Water molecules exhibit cohesion due to:
● A. Ionic bonds between hydrogen and oxygen atoms
● B. Hydrogen bonding between adjacent water molecules [CORRECT]
● C. Covalent bonds between hydrogen atoms
● D. Hydrophobic interactions at the water surface
Correct Answer: B
