Chemistry Basics Flashcards

Which of the following monosaccharides is known as blood sugar and is the primary fuel for cellular respiration?

Answer: Glucose

Glucose is the principal monosaccharide used by cells for energy production through glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.

A laboratory solution that has more hydroxide ions (OH⁻) than hydrogen ions (H⁺) is classified as:

Answer: Basic (alkaline)

A basic or alkaline solution has a higher concentration of OH⁻ than H⁺, resulting in a pH greater than 7.

What type of isomers have the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms?

Answer: Stereoisomers

Stereoisomers share the same molecular formula and bond connectivity but differ in the three-dimensional orientation of their atoms.

In laboratory practice, 'pipetting to the mark' ensures:

Answer: An accurate, reproducible volume of liquid is delivered

Filling a volumetric pipette to the calibration mark ensures delivery of the precise volume for which the pipette is rated.

Which of the following statements correctly describes osmosis?

Answer: Movement of water from high to low solute concentration across a semipermeable membrane

Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration.

Which analytical chemistry technique uses electrical current to separate charged molecules, commonly used for serum protein analysis?

Answer: Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis separates charged molecules (such as serum proteins) based on their size and charge using an electric field.

If a quality control (QC) sample result falls more than 2 standard deviations from the mean, this indicates:

Answer: A warning that the assay may be out of control

By Westgard rules, a result beyond ±2 SD is a warning flag suggesting the assay may be drifting, requiring investigation before reporting patient results.