PORTAGE BIOCHEMISTRY MODULE 1
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
VERIFIED.
Definition of biochemistry - ANS chemistry of life; how properties of organisms relate to their
molecules
What are the 3 things biochemists study? - ANS 1. The relationship between structure and
function of biomolecules
2. Chemical reactions of organisms (metabolism)
3. Communication within and among organisms
What are bulk elements? - ANS Elements that are abundant in living organisms
What are trace elements? - ANS Elements that are less abundant in organisms but still crucial
for life
Name the bulk elements (10) - ANS H, Na, K, Ca, C, N, O, P, S, Cl
Name the trace elements (13) - ANS Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, W, Se, I
What's another word for a firefly? - ANS Lightning bug
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, Explain the chemical reaction of lightning bugs - ANS The chemical reaction is called
bioluminescence. Proteins regulate, produce, and degrade the light-emitting compound called
luciferin. Luciferin, when acted upon by a protein, glows as bugs move. This chemical reaction is
regulated by the protein (enzyme) called luciferase.
How many naturally occurring elements exist? How many are found in living organisms and
what kind of elements? - ANS 90 naturally occurring elements, less than 30 elements are
found in living organisms.
Most of these 30 elements are smaller non-metals.
Why are smaller elements favored for living organisms? - ANS They can form stable, covalent
bonds
How are strong bonds formed? - ANS Strong bonds form by significant overlap of atoms, such
as carbon and hydrogen, permitting them to share electrons
Why is the strong bond good for living organisms? - ANS The bond that forms requires
significant energy to break it. This means the bonds can withstand mechanical and thermal
pressures through the growth of hair/skin for protection.
Do larger elements form stable covalent bonds? - ANS No
Describe the role of Iron as a larger element - ANS Iron has a critical role in hemoglobin for
oxygen transport in vertebrates.
Forms an ion capable of binding to oxygen.
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 2 OF 12
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
VERIFIED.
Definition of biochemistry - ANS chemistry of life; how properties of organisms relate to their
molecules
What are the 3 things biochemists study? - ANS 1. The relationship between structure and
function of biomolecules
2. Chemical reactions of organisms (metabolism)
3. Communication within and among organisms
What are bulk elements? - ANS Elements that are abundant in living organisms
What are trace elements? - ANS Elements that are less abundant in organisms but still crucial
for life
Name the bulk elements (10) - ANS H, Na, K, Ca, C, N, O, P, S, Cl
Name the trace elements (13) - ANS Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, W, Se, I
What's another word for a firefly? - ANS Lightning bug
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 1 OF 12
, Explain the chemical reaction of lightning bugs - ANS The chemical reaction is called
bioluminescence. Proteins regulate, produce, and degrade the light-emitting compound called
luciferin. Luciferin, when acted upon by a protein, glows as bugs move. This chemical reaction is
regulated by the protein (enzyme) called luciferase.
How many naturally occurring elements exist? How many are found in living organisms and
what kind of elements? - ANS 90 naturally occurring elements, less than 30 elements are
found in living organisms.
Most of these 30 elements are smaller non-metals.
Why are smaller elements favored for living organisms? - ANS They can form stable, covalent
bonds
How are strong bonds formed? - ANS Strong bonds form by significant overlap of atoms, such
as carbon and hydrogen, permitting them to share electrons
Why is the strong bond good for living organisms? - ANS The bond that forms requires
significant energy to break it. This means the bonds can withstand mechanical and thermal
pressures through the growth of hair/skin for protection.
Do larger elements form stable covalent bonds? - ANS No
Describe the role of Iron as a larger element - ANS Iron has a critical role in hemoglobin for
oxygen transport in vertebrates.
Forms an ion capable of binding to oxygen.
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 2 OF 12
