Carbohydrates may form larger carbon-based macromolecules by combining with which of the following elements?

• A. Calcium, magnesium, and zinc
• B. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur
• C. Gold, silver, and platinum
• D. Helium, neon, and argon

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They can form larger macromolecules by interacting with other elements through covalent bonding.
2. Identify the elements that commonly combine with carbohydrates: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur are essential elements in biochemistry. They are often found in macromolecules like glycoproteins, glycolipids, and nucleotides, which involve carbohydrates.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: Calcium, magnesium, and zinc are metals that typically form ionic bonds rather than covalent bonds with carbohydrates. Gold, silver, and platinum are noble metals and do not commonly interact with carbohydrates in biological systems. Helium, neon, and argon are inert gases and do not form bonds with carbohydrates.
4. Focus on the correct answer: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur are biologically relevant elements that can combine with carbohydrates to form larger macromolecules. For example, nitrogen is found in amino sugars, phosphorus in phosphorylated sugars, and sulfur in sulfated polysaccharides.
5. Conclude the reasoning: The correct answer is based on the biochemical relevance of these elements in forming complex macromolecules with carbohydrates, which are essential for various biological functions.