Question

what types of atoms are commonly found in all three proteins, carbs and lipids? (select all that apply)
hydrogen (h)
carbon (c)
lithium (li)
oxygen (o)
nitrogen (n)
iron (fe)

Explanation:

Proteins, carbohydrates (carbs), and lipids are all organic compounds. Organic compounds are based on carbon. Hydrogen and oxygen are also common in these macromolecules. For example, carbohydrates have the general formula \(C_nH_{2n}O_n\). Lipids like triglycerides have carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Proteins have a backbone with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (from the amino - acid structure's carboxyl and amino groups' related components). Lithium is an alkali metal and not a common component of these biological macromolecules. Nitrogen is in proteins (in the amino group of amino acids) but not in pure carbs and lipids (some complex lipids may have nitrogen - containing groups, but generally, basic carbs and lipids don't). Iron is a trace element in some proteins (like hemoglobin) but not in carbs and lipids.

Answer:

Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O)