GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology : Help with Bonding

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology

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All GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Resources

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Biochemistry

Which three elements are capable of participating in hydrogen bonding?

Possible Answers:

Francium, oxygen, nickel

Francium, osmium, nobelium

Iron (Fe), oxygen, sodium (Na)

Fluorine, osmium, nitrogen

Fluorine, oxygen, nitrogen

Correct answer:

Fluorine, oxygen, nitrogen

Explanation:

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. 

Example Question #3 : Biochemistry

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 __________.

Possible Answers:

indirect, chorion, high-energy, DeVries, vital

ionic, covalent, hydrogen, dipole, van der Waals

intermediate, central, hybrid, diatomic, variable

incomplete, carbon, hardy, direct, van't Hoff

isotonic, compound, homologous, dense, valance

Correct answer:

ionic, covalent, hydrogen, dipole, van der Waals

Explanation:

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.

Example Question #81 : Gre Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, And Molecular Biology

A mnemonic for remembering whether energy is required or released when chemical bonds are formed is __________.

Possible Answers:

PASS

RICE

BARF

SCAN

LEO says GER

Correct answer:

BARF

Explanation:

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. 

All GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Resources

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