Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

Carbohydrates

Biochemistry

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

Carbohydrates

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Multiple Choice

Which element is considered the backbone of a sugar molecule?

Oxygen

Hydrogen

Carbon

Nitrogen

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of a sugar molecule: Sugars, also known as carbohydrates, are organic molecules composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). They typically follow the general formula Cn(H2O)n.

Recognize the backbone of the sugar molecule: The backbone refers to the main structural framework of the molecule. In sugars, this framework is formed by a chain of carbon atoms.

Learn why carbon is the backbone: Carbon atoms are unique in their ability to form stable covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, creating chains or rings. This property allows carbon to serve as the structural foundation for sugar molecules.

Compare the roles of other elements: Oxygen and hydrogen are present in sugar molecules, but they are typically part of functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl groups) attached to the carbon backbone. Nitrogen is not a common element in simple sugar molecules.

Conclude that carbon is the backbone: Based on the molecular structure and bonding properties, carbon is the element that forms the backbone of sugar molecules, providing the primary framework for their structure.