Easy1 markMultiple Choice
EcologyHigherecologybiomoleculesnitrogen cycle

AQA GCSE · Question 02.4 · Ecology

What substance can the sundew plant make using the nitrogen?

Answer options:

A.

Fatty acid

B.

Glucose

C.

Lactic acid

D.

Protein

How to approach this question

Consider the chemical composition of each of the substances listed. Which one is made from building blocks that contain nitrogen?

Full Answer

D.Protein✓ Correct
Protein
Nitrogen is a crucial element for plants, as it is a component of many organic molecules essential for life. - **Proteins:** Proteins are made from amino acids. Every amino acid has a central carbon atom bonded to an amine group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group. The amine group contains nitrogen, making nitrogen essential for protein synthesis. - **Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA):** The nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, uracil) in nucleotides all contain nitrogen. Of the options given, only protein is made from nitrogen-containing subunits (amino acids). Fatty acids, glucose, and lactic acid are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Common mistakes

✗ Confusing the elements in the main biological molecules. ✗ Thinking nitrogen is only for DNA/RNA and not protein.

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