Chapter 4, Problem 1CC

Which biomolecules always include nitrogen in their chemical makeup?

Summary Introduction

To determine: The biomolecules that always contains nitrogen atoms in their chemical composition.

Introduction: Biomolecules are the molecules that are produced by the living cells in an organism. There are various types of biomolecules like carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, and so on. These biomolecules provide energy to animals.

Explanation of Solution

The two biomolecules that always contain nitrogen atoms in their chemical structures are as follows:

• Nucleic acids

  Nucleic acids are made up of nucleotides. A single nucleotide is made of a sugar molecule, phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. Nitrogenous bases in these biomolecules contain the nitrogen atom.

• Proteins

  Proteins are made up of a different type of amino acids. Amino acids are simple organic compounds. Amino acids contain a carboxyl group and a basic amine group. The basic amine group of the amino acid includes a nitrogen atom. The ‘R’ group of the amino acids can also have nitrogen.

Thus, proteins and nucleic acids always contain nitrogen in their chemical structure.