Question

A molecule has been isolated from a cell. The molecule is found to be in a ring shape made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in a 1:2:1 ratio. Choose all the statements that apply to this molecule. Responses A The molecule is an enzyme.The molecule is an enzyme. B The molecule is likely a sugar.The molecule is likely a sugar. C The molecule is likely a carbohydrate.The molecule is likely a carbohydrate. D The molecule is produced during photosynthesis.The molecule is produced during photosynthesis. E The molecule comprises the largest component of the cell membrane.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
Based on the information provided about the molecule—specifically that it is a ring-shaped structure made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in a 1:2:1 ratio—here are the appropriate responses:

B. The molecule is likely a sugar.
C. The molecule is likely a carbohydrate.
D. The molecule is produced during photosynthesis.

**Explanation:**

- **B. The molecule is likely a sugar.**: Molecules with a 1:2:1 ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen typically represent monosaccharides (simple sugars), such as glucose.

- **C. The molecule is likely a carbohydrate.**: Since sugars are carbohydrates, this statement is also valid.

- **D. The molecule is produced during photosynthesis.**: Sugars like glucose are produced during the process of photosynthesis, as plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, generating carbohydrates.

**Responses A and E do not apply:**

- **A. The molecule is an enzyme.**: Enzymes are proteins, which consist of amino acids and are not characterized by a simple sugar structure.

- **E. The molecule comprises the largest component of the cell membrane.**: While carbohydrates can be part of cell membranes (for example, in glycoproteins), lipids, primarily phospholipids, make up the largest component of cell membranes.