Question

hmh science dimensions biology, unit 2, lesson 2, pages 94 - 99
6 which of the carbohydrates shown in figure 7 on page 94 are monomers, and which are polymers? explain your answer.

1. why does it take your body longer to break down complex carbohydrates than simple carbohydrates? how is this related to molecular structures?
2. how are lipids different from carbohydrates? how are they similar?
3. explain how the terms polymer and monomer apply to the structure of proteins.
4. refer to figure 19 on page 99. compare and contrast the structure of the nucleic acids dna and rna.

Explanation:

1. Monomers are single - unit carbohydrates like glucose, while polymers are made of multiple monomers bonded together such as starch (a polymer of glucose). Without seeing Figure 7, in general, simple sugars are monomers and complex carbohydrates like glycogen are polymers.
2. Complex carbohydrates have more complex molecular structures with long chains of monomers. The body has to break multiple bonds in these chains, which takes more time compared to simple carbohydrates that are single - unit or have fewer bonds to break.
3. Differences: Lipids are non - polar and insoluble in water, while carbohydrates are polar and often water - soluble. Lipids have a higher ratio of carbon and hydrogen to oxygen compared to carbohydrates. Similarities: Both are organic compounds that can be used as energy sources by the body.
4. Proteins are polymers made up of monomers called amino acids. Amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds to form long chains (polypeptides), which then fold into functional proteins.
5. DNA is double - stranded, has deoxyribose sugar, and the nitrogenous bases adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). RNA is usually single - stranded, has ribose sugar, and uses uracil (U) instead of thymine (T), while also having A, C, and G.

Answer:

1. Monomers are single - unit carbs, polymers are multi - unit. Identify based on structure in Figure 7.
2. Complex carbs have more bonds to break due to complex structure.
3. Different: Solubility, element ratio. Similar: Both are energy - source organics.
4. Proteins are polymers of amino - acid monomers.
5. DNA: Double - stranded, deoxyribose, T. RNA: Single - stranded, ribose, U.