A Student Is Given a Compound to Identify in an Organic

question 56

Essay

A student is given a compound to identify in an organic chemistry class. The first thing she notices is that it is not soluble in pure water or saline. Analysis of the ratios of atoms indicates the ratio of carbon to hydrogen to oxygen is 1:1.5:0.05. There is no nitrogen. Based on this information, what class of biological macromolecule is the student working with? Justify your answer.

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Definitions:

Vascular Tissues

Specialized structures in plants that conduct water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the organism.

Free-Living Gametophytes

Independent gametophyte plants that do not depend on the sporophyte generation for their lifecycle, typical in some plant groups such as bryophytes.

Reproductively Superior

Having genetic or physiological attributes that enhance an organism's ability to reproduce and pass on genes to the next generation.

Multicellular

Consisting of more than one cell, characteristic of most living organisms excluding bacteria and certain algae.