Exploring Carbon-Based Molecules

Which three elements are the main components of sugar molecules in living organisms?

• Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen

• Nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus

• Calcium, potassium, and sodium

• Iron, magnesium, and zinc

Answer explanation

Sugar molecules in living organisms are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. These elements form the backbone of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy and structural functions in cells.

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NY.SCI.9-12.HS-LS1-6

What is the primary function of amino acids in living organisms?

• They store genetic information

• They form proteins

• They provide energy directly

• They transport oxygen

Answer explanation

The primary function of amino acids in living organisms is to form proteins. Proteins are essential for various biological functions, including structure, enzymes, and signaling, making amino acids crucial for life.

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NY.SCI.9-12.HS-LS1-6

Which element is NOT commonly found in amino acids?

• Nitrogen

• Sulfur

• Phosphorus

• Calcium

Answer explanation

Amino acids are organic compounds that contain nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon, but calcium is not a component of amino acids. Therefore, calcium is the element that is NOT commonly found in amino acids.

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NY.SCI.9-12.HS-LS1-6

What is the chemical formula for glucose, a common sugar molecule?

Answer explanation

The chemical formula for glucose is C₆H₁₂O₆, which indicates it contains 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms. The other options represent different compounds: ethanol, carbon dioxide, and water.

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NY.SCI.9-12.HS-LS1-6

Which process best describes how carbon from sugar molecules is used to build amino acids?

• Carbon is directly converted into proteins

• Carbon combines with nitrogen and other elements to form amino acids

• Carbon is released as a gas

• Carbon is stored as fat

Answer explanation

Carbon from sugar molecules combines with nitrogen and other elements to form amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. This process is essential for synthesizing proteins in living organisms.

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NY.SCI.9-12.HS-LS1-6

If a plant absorbs phosphorus from the soil, how might this element become part of a carbon-based molecule in the plant?

• By combining with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen to form nucleic acids

• By being released as a gas

• By forming water molecules

• By creating simple sugars

Answer explanation

Phosphorus is essential for forming nucleic acids, which are carbon-based molecules. It combines with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen to create DNA and RNA, crucial for plant growth and development.

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NY.SCI.9-12.HS-LS1-6

Which of the following best explains how sulfur from the environment can become part of an amino acid in a living organism?

• Sulfur is absorbed and incorporated into the amino acid structure during biosynthesis

• Sulfur is only used for energy production

• Sulfur is stored in fat cells

• Sulfur is exhaled as a waste product

Answer explanation

Sulfur is essential for the synthesis of certain amino acids, such as cysteine and methionine. It is absorbed from the environment and incorporated into these amino acids during the biosynthesis process in living organisms.

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Which statement best describes the relationship between sugars and amino acids in the context of cellular processes?

• Sugars are broken down to provide energy, and their carbon atoms are used to build amino acids

• Sugars and amino acids are unrelated in cells

• Amino acids are broken down to form sugars

• Sugars are only used to make fats

Answer explanation

Sugars are essential for energy production in cells. They are broken down to release energy, and the carbon skeletons from sugars can be utilized to synthesize amino acids, linking these two vital cellular components.

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NY.SCI.9-12.HS-LS1-6

A scientist is studying how plants use elements from sugar molecules to form new compounds. Which evidence would best support the explanation that carbon from sugars is used to build amino acids?

• Tracing labeled carbon atoms from glucose into the amino acids produced by the plant

• Measuring the amount of water produced by the plant

• Observing the color of the plant leaves

• Counting the number of roots

Answer explanation

Tracing labeled carbon atoms from glucose into the amino acids produced by the plant directly shows how carbon from sugars is incorporated into amino acids, providing clear evidence for the process.

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NY.SCI.9-12.HS-LS1-6

These biomolecules provide structural support, help with growth and repair, and transport molecules. Amino Acids are the monomers.

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112.34.c.9.A