AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Nucleic acids contain the same elements as proteins: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen; plus phosphorous (C, H, O, N, and P).

Detailed explanation-2: -Proteins, carbohydrates and lipids are made from three basic molecules: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. However, all proteins contain an element not found in carbohydrates and lipids is nitrogen. Nitrogen which is present in all amino acids (the building blocks that make up the protein chains).

Detailed explanation-3: -Carbohydrates and lipids are made of only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO). Proteins are made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen (CHON). Nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus (CHON P).

Detailed explanation-4: -Phosphorus is an essential component of all cells; the element forms the backbone of nucleic acids, without which cells cannot reproduce. Phosphorus is also incorporated in nucleotides, sugars, proteins, and lipids.

Detailed explanation-5: -Q: Which of the elements in DNA is not identified with any other class of biochemical compounds? A: All biochemical compounds contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; and proteins as well as nucleic acids contain nitrogen. Phosphorus is the only element that is identified with nucleic acids.