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Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive
Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 7th Edition
Marieb, Hoehn7th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780805359091Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb, Hoehn 7th EditionCh. 2 Chemistry Comes AliveProblem 8
Chapter 2, Problem 8

Which of the following molecules is an inorganic molecule?
a. Sucrose
b. Cholesterol
c. Collagen
d. Sodium chloride

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1
Understand the difference between organic and inorganic molecules: Organic molecules primarily contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, often forming complex structures. Inorganic molecules generally do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds and are simpler in structure.
Analyze each option to determine if it is organic or inorganic: Sucrose is a sugar composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, making it an organic molecule.
Cholesterol is a lipid molecule made mostly of carbon and hydrogen atoms arranged in rings, so it is also organic.
Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids, which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, classifying it as an organic molecule.
Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a simple salt composed of sodium and chloride ions, lacking carbon-hydrogen bonds, so it is an inorganic molecule.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Inorganic vs Organic Molecules

Inorganic molecules typically lack carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds and are often simple compounds like salts, metals, and minerals. Organic molecules contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen and often other elements, forming complex structures such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
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Classes of MHC Molecules

Examples of Organic Molecules

Organic molecules include carbohydrates (e.g., sucrose), lipids (e.g., cholesterol), and proteins (e.g., collagen). These molecules are essential for biological functions and contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen, oxygen, and other elements.
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Levels of Organization Example 1

Sodium Chloride as an Inorganic Molecule

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a simple ionic compound composed of sodium and chloride ions. It does not contain carbon and is classified as an inorganic molecule, commonly known as table salt.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

The lipid(s) used as the basis of vitamin D, sex hormones, and bile salts is/are:

a. Triglycerides

b. Cholesterol

c. Phospholipids

d. Prostaglandin

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Textbook Question

When a pair of electrons is shared between two atoms, the bond formed is called:

a. A single covalent bond

b. A double covalent bond

c. A triple covalent bond

d. An ionic bond

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Textbook Question

In a beaker of water, the water-water bonds can properly be called:

a. Ionic bonds

b. Polar covalent bonds

c. Nonpolar covalent bonds

d. Hydrogen bonds

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Textbook Question

Acids:

a. Release hydroxyl ions when dissolved in water

b. Are proton acceptors

c. Cause the pH of a solution to rise

d. Release protons when dissolved in water

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Textbook Question

Factors that accelerate the rate of chemical reactions include all but:

a. The presence of catalysts

b. Increasing the temperature

c. Increasing the particle size

d. Increasing the concentration of the reactants

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Textbook Question

A triglyceride consists of:

a. Glycerol plus three fatty acids

b. A sugar-phosphate backbone to which two amino groups are attached

c. Two to several hexoses

d. Amino acids that have been thoroughly saturated with hydrogen

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