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Multiple Choice
Why are proteins considered polymers, whereas lipids are not?
A
Proteins are hydrophilic, whereas lipids are hydrophobic.
B
Proteins contain peptide bonds, while lipids contain ester bonds.
C
Proteins are synthesized by ribosomes, whereas lipids are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum.
D
Proteins are made of repeating amino acid units, while lipids are not composed of repeating monomeric units.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of a polymer: A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units, typically connected by covalent chemical bonds.
Identify the structure of proteins: Proteins are made up of amino acids linked together in a chain by peptide bonds. Each amino acid serves as a repeating unit, making proteins polymers.
Examine the structure of lipids: Lipids are diverse in structure and are not composed of repeating monomeric units. They are typically made up of a glycerol backbone and fatty acid chains, connected by ester bonds.
Compare the synthesis of proteins and lipids: Proteins are synthesized by ribosomes, which link amino acids in a specific sequence. Lipids are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum, but this process does not involve the formation of repeating units.
Conclude why proteins are considered polymers: The key reason is that proteins are composed of repeating amino acid units, whereas lipids do not have a repeating monomeric structure, thus they are not classified as polymers.