Question

the following diagram shows molecular models of glucose (a simple sugar) and alanine (an amino acid). inside an organism’s cells, glucose can be transformed into alanine through a series of chemical reactions. which of the following is most likely true about glucose and alanine in an organism’s cells? choose 1 answer: a an oxygen atom in glucose is transformed into a nitrogen atom during the formation of alanine. b all of the carbon - oxygen bonds in alanine are the same carbon - oxygen bonds that existed in glucose. c some of the carbon atoms in alanine are the same atoms that were once in glucose.

Explanation:

• Option A: Atoms are conserved in chemical reactions (Law of Conservation of Mass), so oxygen can't become nitrogen. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Chemical reactions involve breaking and forming bonds. Alanine's C - O bonds aren't all from glucose. Eliminate B.
• Option C: In chemical reactions, atoms (like carbon) are rearranged. So some C atoms in alanine can come from glucose. This is consistent with conservation of atoms.

Answer:

C. Some of the carbon atoms in alanine are the same atoms that were once in glucose.