Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which repeating unit makes up a protein?
A
Amino acid
B
Monosaccharide
C
Nucleotide
D
Fatty acid
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structure and function of proteins. Proteins are macromolecules that play critical roles in biological processes, such as catalyzing reactions, providing structural support, and regulating cellular activities.
Step 2: Recall that proteins are polymers, meaning they are made up of repeating subunits. These subunits are linked together through a specific type of bond called a peptide bond.
Step 3: Identify the repeating subunit of proteins. Proteins are composed of amino acids, which are organic molecules containing an amino group (-NH₂), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a unique side chain (R group) that determines the properties of each amino acid.
Step 4: Compare the other options provided in the question. Monosaccharides are the building blocks of carbohydrates, nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids, and fatty acids are components of lipids. None of these are involved in forming proteins.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct repeating unit that makes up a protein is the amino acid. Proteins are formed when amino acids are linked together in a specific sequence to create a polypeptide chain, which then folds into a functional protein.