Question

3 points: use the models on page 1 to compare the amino acids
amino acid
differences
similarities
serine
histidine
tryptophan
starch
plant - based foods like potatoes contain starch which are made of connected sugar molecules. the most common sugar molecule used by humans is the glucose molecule shown below.

1. (3 points) what patterns do you notice when you compare this sugar molecule and the amino acid molecules from the previous page? how are they different and similar?

molecules
differences
similarities
sugar (glucose)
amino acids (serine, histidine and tryptophan)

Explanation:

Amino acids and glucose have different elemental compositions and functional groups. Amino - acids have an amino group ($-NH_2$) and a carboxyl group ($-COOH$), while glucose is a carbohydrate with hydroxyl groups ($-OH$) and an aldehyde or ketone group. They both contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Without the actual models, general structural differences and similarities are described. Amino acids are building - blocks of proteins and glucose is an energy - source molecule.

Answer:

For comparing amino acids (Serine, Histidine, Tryptophan):

Differences:

• Serine has a small, polar side - chain with a hydroxyl group. Histidine has an imidazole side - chain which can be positively charged at physiological pH. Tryptophan has a large, non - polar, heterocyclic side - chain with an indole ring.

Similarities:

All have an amino group ($-NH_2$), a carboxyl group ($-COOH$), and a central alpha - carbon.

For comparing glucose and amino acids:

Differences:

• Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$) is a carbohydrate with multiple hydroxyl groups and either an aldehyde or ketone functional group. Amino acids contain nitrogen in their amino group, and their side - chains vary widely in structure and properties. Glucose is mainly an energy source, while amino acids are building blocks for proteins.

Similarities:

Both contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Both are important biological molecules in living organisms.