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Multiple Choice
Compared to carbohydrates and lipids, which element is unique to protein-containing molecules?
A
Nitrogen (N)
B
Hydrogen (H)
C
Carbon (C)
D
Oxygen (O)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by recalling the basic chemical composition of carbohydrates and lipids. Both carbohydrates and lipids are primarily composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). These elements are common to many biomolecules.
Step 2: Consider the unique structural components of proteins. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which contain an amine group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH). The amine group introduces nitrogen (N) into the molecular structure.
Step 3: Compare the elements found in proteins to those found in carbohydrates and lipids. Nitrogen (N) is not a significant component of carbohydrates or lipids, but it is a defining element in proteins due to the presence of the amine group.
Step 4: Understand the significance of nitrogen in proteins. Nitrogen is essential for forming peptide bonds between amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
Step 5: Conclude that nitrogen (N) is the element unique to protein-containing molecules, distinguishing them from carbohydrates and lipids.