Question

monomers are ____ and polymers are ____.
a carbohydrates, starch
b single subunits, multiple subunits joined together
c carbohydrates, proteins
d multiple subunits joined together, single subunits

Explanation:

To solve this, we recall the definitions of monomers and polymers. Monomers are the basic building blocks (single subunits) that can join together to form polymers. Polymers are large molecules made by joining multiple monomers (subunits) together.

• Option A: Carbohydrates are a type of macromolecule (some are polymers, some monomers like monosaccharides), and starch is a polymer of glucose. This does not define monomers and polymers generally.
• Option B: Matches the definitions (monomers: single subunits; polymers: multiple subunits joined).
• Option C: Carbohydrates and proteins are types of macromolecules (polymers or have monomeric forms), not definitions of monomers and polymers.
• Option D: Reverses the definitions, which is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Single subunits, multiple subunits joined together