Question

question 15 of 22
which of the following terms means \a very large molecule made up of many smaller molecules joined together\?
a. nucleic acid
b. macromolecule
c. lipid
d. carbohydrate

Explanation:

• Nucleic acid: Nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA) are composed of nucleotides. While they are large molecules, the term "nucleic acid" specifically refers to a type of macromolecule with a particular structure (nucleotide - based) rather than just being a general term for a large molecule made of smaller units.
• Macromolecule: The prefix "macro - " means large. A macromolecule is defined as a very large molecule formed by the joining of many smaller molecules (monomers). For example, proteins (macromolecules) are made of amino acids (smaller molecules).
• Lipid: Lipids are a diverse group of molecules (such as fats, phospholipids, and steroids). Many lipids are not formed by the polymerization of smaller identical molecules in the same way as typical macromolecules. For instance, a triglyceride (a type of lipid) is formed by the combination of glycerol and fatty acids, but it is not a long - chain polymer like many macromolecules.
• Carbohydrate: Simple carbohydrates (monosaccharides) can join to form polysaccharides (a type of carbohydrate). However, the term "carbohydrate" is a broader category that includes simple sugars (not large molecules) as well as polysaccharides. The term "macromolecule" is a more general and accurate term for a very large molecule made up of many smaller molecules joined together compared to just "carbohydrate".

Answer:

B. Macromolecule