Question

question 1-8
all the biological macromolecules contain hydrogen, oxygen and carbon. however, there are distinguishing features of each. which of the following could be used to differentiate between a carbohydrate and a nucleic acid?
carbohydrate molecules contain only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms, whereas nucleic acid molecules also have a nitrogen base and phosphate group
carbohydrate molecules are only found in chains, while nucleic acid molecules only form rings.
carbohydrate molecules have a nitrogen base, whereas nucleic acid molecules have an r group
carbohydrate molecules have nitrogen atoms, whereas nucleic acids have an attached phosphate group.

Explanation:

Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Nucleic acids contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus (in the phosphate group) along with nitrogen - containing bases. This is the key differentiating feature.

Answer:

Carbohydrate molecules contain only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms, whereas nucleic acid molecules also have a nitrogen base and phosphate group.