What are macromolecules that contain nitrogen as well as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen?

Prepare for the Natural Science 2 (NAS 2) Exam with detailed quizzes, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to enhance understanding and readiness.

Proteins are macromolecules that are composed of long chains of amino acids, which themselves contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. The presence of nitrogen is a key characteristic that distinguishes proteins from other macromolecules. While carbohydrates and lipids are primarily made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, they do not typically include nitrogen in their structures.

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, also contain nitrogen, but the question specifically addresses the broader category of macromolecules. Proteins are ubiquitous in biological systems; they play crucial roles in various functions, including structural components, enzymes, signaling molecules, and more. The incorporation of nitrogen in proteins, represented by amino groups (-NH2) in their amino acid building blocks, is essential for their diverse functionalities and variety.

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