Nitrogen is a critical component of which of the following classes of organic compounds?

• A. Steroids
• B. Fatty acids
• C. Carbohydrates
• D. Amino acids

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of nitrogen in organic compounds: Nitrogen is a key element found in certain classes of organic compounds, particularly those involved in biological processes such as proteins and nucleic acids.
2. Review the structure of amino acids: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and contain an amino group (-NH₂), which includes nitrogen. This distinguishes them from other classes of organic compounds.
3. Compare amino acids with the other options: Steroids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates do not typically contain nitrogen as a fundamental component of their structure. Steroids are derived from cholesterol, fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains, and carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
4. Recognize the importance of nitrogen in amino acids: Nitrogen is essential for forming the peptide bonds that link amino acids together in proteins, making it a defining feature of this class of organic compounds.
5. Conclude that amino acids are the correct answer: Based on the presence of nitrogen in their structure and their biological significance, amino acids are the class of organic compounds that rely on nitrogen as a critical component.