Question

Some prokaryotes can live by utilizing entirely inorganic materials. Which of the following inorganic molecules would you predict to be the predominant building block for fats, sugars, and proteins?

(a) O₂
(b) N₂
(c) CO₂
(d) H₂

Answer 1

The inorganic molecule predominantly used by some prokaryotes as a building block for biomolecules such as fats, sugars, and proteins is carbon dioxide (CO2).

Step-by-step explanation:

The predominant inorganic molecule that prokaryotes utilize as a building block for fats, sugars, and proteins is carbon dioxide (CO2). Prokaryotes, like all living organisms, require macronutrients such as carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), and others to synthesize essential biomolecules. Autotrophic prokaryotes are capable of fixing inorganic carbon from CO2 through processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis to produce organic molecules such as fats, sugars, and proteins. Therefore, CO2 is fundamental for the process of carbon fixation that leads to the synthesis of these organic compounds.