Organic Compounds Quiz: Gilroy

Explanation
Water does not contain carbon and therefore is not considered organic.

Explanation
Organic molecules can exist in two forms: monomers and polymers. Monomers are single units of organic molecules, while polymers are made up of multiple monomers bonded together. This statement is true because organic molecules can exist as both monomers and polymers, depending on their structure and function.

Explanation
Carbon is the primary component of living things because it can form 2 bonds. This statement is false. Carbon is the primary component of living things because it can form 4 bonds. This property allows carbon to form large, complex molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, which are essential for life.

Explanation
Carbohydrates do contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but not in a 1:3:1 ratio. The correct ratio is 1:2:1, meaning that for every carbon atom, there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Therefore, the statement is false.

Explanation
Lipids are organic compounds that are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Carbon is a key element found in lipids, as it forms the backbone of their structure. Lipids do not typically contain phosphorus, nitrogen, or sulfur, so these elements are not found in lipids.

Explanation
Amino acids are classified as monomers because they are the building blocks of proteins. Monomers are small molecules that can join together to form larger molecules called polymers. In the case of proteins, amino acids are linked together through peptide bonds to form long chains. Starch, on the other hand, is a polymer made up of many glucose monomers. Proteins and fats are not classified as monomers because they are already in their polymer forms.

Explanation
Polysaccharides are classified as polymers because they are composed of repeating units of monosaccharides. Monosaccharides, on the other hand, are simple sugars and not polymers. Fatty acids are not polymers either, as they are single molecules and not composed of repeating units. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, can be considered polymers because they are made up of repeating nucleotide units. However, in this question, the correct answer is specifically polysaccharide as it is the only option that is exclusively classified as a polymer.

Explanation
Proteins do not allow for heredity. Heredity is the passing of genetic information from one generation to the next, which is primarily carried out by nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Proteins, on the other hand, have various functions in the body including enzymatic activity, receptor production, and providing structure to cells and tissues. However, they do not play a direct role in transmitting genetic information.

Explanation
Proteins play a crucial role in providing structure to living organisms. They are involved in forming the structural components of cells, tissues, and organs, such as muscles, skin, and bones. Proteins also contribute to the structural integrity of cell membranes, which control the movement of substances in and out of cells. While proteins are not directly responsible for making up cell walls, they do contribute to the strength and support of cell walls in certain organisms. However, proteins do not play a direct role in heredity, which is primarily governed by DNA and genes.