Question

1. a six - carbon sugar is an example of a __ that can join with other molecules to form a __ such as starch or cellulose.
2. what are three different shapes, or structures, of carbon - based molecules?
3. complete the following chart:

monomer	polymer	example	function
	protein
		dna

1. what is a phospholipid?
2. living things are sometimes called \carbon - based life forms\. do you think this is a good way to describe life? explain your answer.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall monomer - polymer concept

A six - carbon sugar like glucose is a monomer that can form polymers like starch or cellulose.

Step2: Recall carbon - based molecule shapes

Carbon - based molecules can have straight - chain, branched - chain, or ring - shaped structures due to carbon's ability to form four covalent bonds.

Step3: Fill in monomer - polymer chart

Glucose is a monomer for starch and cellulose. Amino acids are monomers for proteins (example: hemoglobin for oxygen transport). Nucleotides are monomers for DNA (function: storing genetic info).

Step4: Define phospholipid

Based on knowledge of cell membrane components, a phospholipid has a unique structure with a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails and is crucial for cell membrane formation.

Step5: Evaluate carbon - based life forms

Carbon's bonding properties enable the creation of essential biological molecules, justifying the term "carbon - based life forms".

Answer:

1. Monomer; polymer
2. Straight - chain, branched - chain, ring - shaped

7.

Monomer	Polymer	Example	Function
Amino acids	Protein	Hemoglobin	Transport of oxygen
Nucleotides	DNA	Human DNA	Storage of genetic information

1. A phospholipid is a lipid molecule that has a hydrophilic (water - loving) head and two hydrophobic (water - fearing) tails. It is a major component of cell membranes, forming a bilayer that helps regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
2. Yes, it is a good way. Carbon is the basis of most biological molecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. It can form stable covalent bonds with other elements and with itself, allowing for the formation of complex and diverse molecules essential for life processes.