Which metabolic compound is composed solely of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen?

Prepare for the NYSTCE 160 Biology Exam with comprehensive study materials. Dive into flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations to boost your understanding and readiness for test day!

Glycogen is a metabolic compound that consists solely of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. As a polysaccharide, it is primarily composed of long chains of glucose units, which are themselves made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. This characteristic makes glycogen a carbohydrate and allows it to serve as a crucial energy storage molecule in animals.

In contrast, fats, which are also carbohydrates, contain varying numbers of fatty acids and glycerol, but they are composed of the same elements. Proteins consist of amino acids, which contain additional elements such as nitrogen and often sulfur. DNA includes not only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen but also nitrogen and phosphorus, contributing to its structural complexity. Considering these differences in composition, glycogen stands out as the only option made up exclusively of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy