Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Carbohydrates

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Carbohydrates

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2:50 minutes

Problem 29

Textbook Question

A sample that contains an organic molecule has the following constituents: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Is the molecule more likely to be a carbohydrate, a lipid, a protein, or a nucleic acid?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Identify the key elements present in the molecule. The problem states that the molecule contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Step 2: Recall the typical composition of the four macromolecules: carbohydrates (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen), lipids (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen), proteins (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen), and nucleic acids (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus).

Step 3: Compare the elements in the sample to the typical composition of each macromolecule. Note that the presence of phosphorus is a distinguishing feature, as it is commonly found in nucleic acids (e.g., DNA and RNA) and not typically in carbohydrates, lipids, or proteins.

Step 4: Consider the role of nitrogen. While nitrogen is present in proteins and nucleic acids, the combination of nitrogen and phosphorus strongly suggests the molecule is a nucleic acid.

Step 5: Conclude that based on the presence of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus, the molecule is most likely a nucleic acid, as this composition aligns with the structure of DNA or RNA.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Organic Molecules

Organic molecules are primarily composed of carbon atoms and are essential for life. They include various classes such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, each serving distinct biological functions. Understanding the structure and composition of these molecules is crucial for identifying their type and role in biological systems.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine the chemical reactivity and properties of those molecules. For example, the presence of nitrogen and phosphorus is characteristic of nucleic acids, while hydroxyl groups are common in carbohydrates. Identifying these groups helps in classifying organic molecules into their respective categories.

Biomolecule Classification

Biomolecules are classified into four main categories: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, each with unique structures and functions. Carbohydrates are primarily energy sources, lipids serve as energy storage and structural components, proteins perform a wide range of functions, and nucleic acids are involved in genetic information storage and transfer. Recognizing the constituents of a molecule aids in determining its classification.