The presence of which elements supports to the claim that proteins can be constructed from the basic structures of carbohydrates? Select three answers.
Responses
carbon
carbon
sulfur
sulfur
hydrogen
hydrogen
phosphorus
phosphorus
oxygen
oxygen
nitrogen
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
The presence of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen supports the claim that proteins can be constructed from the basic structures of carbohydrates.
The presence of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen supports the claim that proteins can be constructed from the basic structures of carbohydrates. To understand why, let's break it down:
1. Carbon: Both proteins and carbohydrates are made up of carbon atoms. Carbon forms the backbone of these molecules, providing stability and structure to their overall shape. Therefore, the presence of carbon suggests a connection between proteins and carbohydrates.
2. Nitrogen: Proteins are unique among macromolecules because they contain nitrogen atoms. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, do not typically have nitrogen in their basic structures. Therefore, the presence of nitrogen in a molecule suggests that it is more likely to be a protein rather than a carbohydrate.
3. Oxygen: Both proteins and carbohydrates contain oxygen atoms. Oxygen plays a vital role in the chemical reactions that occur within these macromolecules, contributing to their stability and functionality. Therefore, the presence of oxygen suggests a shared connection between proteins and carbohydrates.
In summary, the presence of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in a molecule supports the claim that proteins can be constructed from the basic structures of carbohydrates.