Question

You are given four test tubes containing purified biological macromolecules. The test tubes are unlabeled except that each is labeled with a number between 1 and 4. You are told that one test tube contains amylase (a protein), one contains vegetable oil (a lipid), one contains starch (a carbohydrate), and one contains DNA (a nucleic acid). You then perform some tests on the macromolecules and collect the following information. Based on the data, which macromolecule corresponds to each test tube?

a) Test tube #1 - Protein, Test tube #2 - Lipid, Test tube #3 - Carbohydrate, Test tube #4 - Nucleic Acid
b) Test tube #1 - Carbohydrate, Test tube #2 - Protein, Test tube #3 - Lipid, Test tube #4 - Nucleic Acid
c) Test tube #1 - Lipid, Test tube #2 - Protein, Test tube #3 - Carbohydrate, Test tube #4 - Nucleic Acid
d) Test tube #1 - Nucleic Acid, Test tube #2 - Protein, Test tube #3 - Lipid, Test tube #4 - Carbohydrate

Answer 1

Without specific tests to identify each macromolecule within the test tubes, a definitive assignment is not possible. However, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates can be distinguished using targeted biochemical tests. none of the options are correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Identifying Biological Macromolecules in Test Tubes

Biological macromolecules play a crucial role in the structure and function of living organisms. The question at hand involves identifying which macromolecule corresponds to each numbered test tube given provided data. As we know, the structures and functions of biological macromolecules are unique to their class which include proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Lipids, such as vegetable oil, are known for their roles in energy storage and membrane formation. The enzyme amylase is a protein that assists in the breakdown of starch into simpler sugars. DNA, a type of nucleic acid, is essential for storing genetic information. Lastly, starch is a carbohydrate which functions as an energy reservoir in plants.

Without information about the specific tests performed on the test tubes, it is not possible to definitively match each test tube with its corresponding macromolecule. However, each macromolecule can be identified using specific tests; for instance, the presence of proteins and nucleic acids can be confirmed using colorimetric assays like the Biuret test for proteins and the Diphenylamine test for DNA. Lipids can be identified through their insolubility in water and the Sudan IV test, while iodine can test for the presence of starch.