Question

the scientists tested the tissue samples at the end of the investigation. their results are presented in the table. fatty acids and glycerol are carbon - based molecules that make up adipose tissue.
product % labeled c1 in product % labeled c6 in product % labeled h1 in product % labeled h3 in product
fatty acids 28 53.5 22.5 36.5
glycerol 8.15 12 9.7 5.35
how can the scientists best explain the presence of labeled carbon and hydrogen in fatty acids and glycerol?
a. the fatty acids and glycerol naturally contain labeled carbon and hydrogen and transferred the labeled atoms to the glucose molecules.
b. the labeled glucose was broken down into smaller molecules containing labeled carbon and hydrogen, which were then used to build fatty acids and glycerol.

Explanation:

In biological processes, labeled glucose can be broken - down and its components used to synthesize other molecules like fatty acids and glycerol. Glucose is a source of carbon and hydrogen for the synthesis of adipose - tissue components. Option A is incorrect as it has the transfer direction wrong. Option B correctly describes the process where labeled glucose is broken down into smaller molecules containing labeled carbon and hydrogen which are then used to build fatty acids and glycerol.

Answer:

B. The labeled glucose was broken down into smaller molecules containing labeled carbon and hydrogen, which were then used to build fatty acids and glycerol.