Biology Regents Practice Exam

Proteins, starch, and DNA are similar in that they are all what type of compounds?

1. Organic compounds

2. Parts of genes

3. Made of amino acids

4. Made of simple sugars

The correct answer is: Organic compounds

Proteins, starch, and DNA are all classified as organic compounds, which are primarily composed of carbon atoms along with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes other elements like phosphorus and sulfur. Organic compounds are essential for life and are fundamental components of living organisms. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are organic molecules containing both carboxyl and amino functional groups. Starch is a polysaccharide, specifically a carbohydrate made of long chains of glucose molecules, and is an important energy source for plants and animals. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms. The correct classification of proteins, starch, and DNA as organic compounds highlights their essential roles in biological processes, as all living organisms rely on these compounds for structure, function, and regulation of the body’s cells and tissues.