Which of the following biomolecules contain nitrogen?


a. Glycogen (Chapter 22)
b. Nitric oxide (Chapter 4)
c. Collagen (Chapter 18)
d. Epinephrine (Chapter 28)
e. Stearic acid (Chapter 23)
f. Fructose (Chapter 20)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical composition of each biomolecule listed.
2. Glycogen is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units, which do not contain nitrogen.
3. Nitric oxide (NO) is a simple molecule that contains nitrogen.
4. Collagen is a protein, and proteins are made of amino acids, which contain nitrogen in their amine groups.
5. Epinephrine is a hormone derived from amino acids, and it contains nitrogen in its structure.

Key Concepts

Biomolecules

Biomolecules are organic molecules that are essential for life, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each type of biomolecule has distinct functions and structures, and they are composed of various elements, including carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Understanding the classification and roles of these biomolecules is crucial for identifying their components, such as the presence of nitrogen.

Nitrogen in Biomolecules

Nitrogen is a key element found in several biomolecules, particularly in amino acids, nucleotides, and certain hormones. In proteins, nitrogen is a fundamental part of the amino group (-NH2) in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Additionally, nitrogen is present in nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) as part of the nitrogenous bases, making it essential for genetic information and protein synthesis.

Identification of Biomolecules

Identifying biomolecules that contain nitrogen involves analyzing their chemical structure and composition. For example, proteins like collagen and hormones like epinephrine contain nitrogen due to their amino acid composition. In contrast, biomolecules such as glycogen and stearic acid do not contain nitrogen, as they are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Understanding these distinctions is vital for answering questions about the presence of nitrogen in various biomolecules.