Identify true statements regarding polymers. Check all that apply.
A Glucose is an excellent example of a polymer vital to the human body.
B A protein is a polymer of amino acids, and is one of the most versatile molecules in the body.
C Starch is a polymer of about 3,000 glucose monomers and provides a tremendous source of to the body.
D DNA is a poly made of 3 different kinds of monomers called nucleotides, and stores our genetic information.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct statements about polymers are:
B: A protein is a polymer of amino acids, and is one of the most versatile molecules in the body.
C: Starch is a polymer of about 3,000 glucose monomers and provides a tremendous source of energy to the body.
D: DNA is a polymer made of 3 different kinds of monomers called nucleotides, and stores our genetic information.
Explanation:
Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating structural units called monomers, linked together by covalent bonds. Here is a breakdown of each statement:
- A: Glucose is an excellent example of a polymer vital to the human body – This statement is incorrect. Glucose itself is a simple sugar (monomer), not a polymer. While glucose can form polymers such as starch or glycogen, it is not a polymer on its own.
- B: A protein is a polymer of amino acids, and is one of the most versatile molecules in the body – This is correct. Proteins are polymers composed of long chains of amino acids. They are crucial for a wide variety of functions in the body, including acting as enzymes, structural components, hormones, and antibodies.
- C: Starch is a polymer of about 3,000 glucose monomers and provides a tremendous source of energy to the body – This is also correct. Starch is a polysaccharide made of repeating glucose units. It is a major energy source for humans, as it is broken down into glucose during digestion and used by cells for energy.
- D: DNA is a polymer made of 3 different kinds of monomers called nucleotides, and stores our genetic information – This statement is true. DNA is a polymer made of nucleotides, which are the monomers. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The sequence of nucleotides in DNA encodes genetic information essential for life.
Polymers play critical roles in biological systems, including providing structural support, catalyzing biochemical reactions, storing genetic information, and storing energy.