Question
Which is a difference between proteins and carbohydrates and fats? Proteins are macromolecules; carbohydrates and fats are not. Proteins are composed of monomers; carbohydrates and fats are not. Carbohydrates and fats contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; proteins do not. Excess carbohydrates and fats are stored; excess proteins are not.
Ask by Bartlett Rose. in the United States
Feb 04,2025
Real Tutor Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
Excess carbohydrates and fats are stored in the body, but excess proteins are not.
Solution
The correct difference between proteins and carbohydrates/fats is:
**Excess carbohydrates and fats are stored; excess proteins are not.**
### Explanation of Each Option:
1. **Proteins are macromolecules; carbohydrates and fats are not.**
- **Incorrect.** Both carbohydrates and fats are also considered macromolecules. Macromolecules are large, complex molecules essential for life, and they include proteins, carbohydrates, lipids (fats), and nucleic acids.
2. **Proteins are composed of monomers; carbohydrates and fats are not.**
- **Incorrect.** Proteins are polymers made up of amino acid monomers. Similarly, carbohydrates are polymers of sugar monomers (like glucose), and fats are typically formed from glycerol and fatty acid monomers.
3. **Carbohydrates and fats contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; proteins do not.**
- **Incorrect.** Proteins also contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, along with nitrogen (and sometimes sulfur).
4. **Excess carbohydrates and fats are stored; excess proteins are not.**
- **Correct.** The body stores excess carbohydrates as glycogen in the liver and muscles and stores excess fats in adipose tissue. In contrast, excess proteins are typically not stored; instead, they are broken down, and their components are used for energy or converted into other compounds as needed.
### Key Takeaway:
While proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are all essential macromolecules containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, a significant difference lies in how the body handles their excess. Carbohydrates and fats can be stored for later use, whereas excess proteins are generally not stored and are instead utilized or broken down.
**Answer:**
Excess carbohydrates and fats are stored; excess proteins are not.
Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team
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Simplify this solution Extra Insights
Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats all play vital roles in our body, but they each have unique functions that make them indispensable. For instance, proteins serve as the building blocks for tissues, enzymes, and hormones, while carbohydrates are the primary energy source, and fats provide insulation and protect vital organs. One common misconception is equating all macronutrients as energy sources. While carbohydrates and fats are primarily used for energy, proteins mainly aid in tissue growth and repair. Knowing this can help in creating balanced meals and understanding how our body utilizes these nutrients differently!
