Chemistry What is the biomolecule with a characteristic hydrogen to oxygen ratio?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ed Aboud
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on identifying a biomolecule characterized by a specific hydrogen to oxygen ratio, initially speculated to be carbohydrates or lipids. It is clarified that carbohydrates typically exhibit a hydrogen to oxygen ratio of 2:1, which is a defining feature. The example of sucrose is mentioned, highlighting that it has a different hydrogen to carbon ratio, yet it is still classified as a carbohydrate. The consensus is that the classification of a biomolecule as a carbohydrate primarily depends on its hydrogen to oxygen ratio. Understanding this ratio is crucial for distinguishing carbohydrates from other biomolecules.
Ed Aboud
Messages
200
Reaction score
0
C_x (H_2 O)_y
What biomolecule is this?
At first I thought carbohydrate but the ratio of hydrogen to carbon is not necessarily 2:1.
And then I said lipid, but then the hydrogen and oxygen are in a ratio of 2:1.
Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sucrose has 22 hydrogens and 12 carbons, which does not yield a hydrogen to carbon ratio of 2:1. Is sucrose still a carbohydrate?

I believe the answer to this question will provide you with the answers you need.
 
Oh ok, I just wasn't sure.
So it only depends on the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen?
 
Right. It's a carbohydrate - you can distinguish it by the characteristic hydrogen to oxygen ratio.
 

Thread 'Prove that evolution is constant (Provide at least two arguments to support your position)'

I don't get how to argue it. i can prove: evolution is the ability to adapt, whether it's progression or regression from some point of view, so if evolution is not constant then animal generations couldn`t stay alive for a big amount of time because when climate is changing this generations die. but they dont. so evolution is constant. but its not an argument, right? how to fing arguments when i only prove it.. analytically, i guess it called that (this is indirectly related to biology, im...
View full post »

Similar threads

Chemistry Finding the molecular formula of a hydrocarbon
Replies
1
Views
3K
Chemistry Finding rate constant from pressure change in an experiment
Replies
2
Views
2K
Volume of Oxygen Liberated from Hydrogen Peroxide
Replies
2
Views
9K
Chemistry Which Is Better to Remove H2: Cl2 or Br2?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Hydrogen bonding in Cytosine and Guanine
Replies
1
Views
3K
What is the size difference between Hydrogen and Oxygen
Replies
8
Views
18K
What Is the Approximate Heat of Reaction for 2H2 + O2→2H2O?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Stoichiometry-calculation of mass fraction of water in exhaust
Replies
1
Views
4K
Properties of Thiazole: Balancing Reactions, Yields & Mass Ratios
Replies
16
Views
4K
Law of multiple proportions (need method check please)
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top