Identifying a biopolymer by its monomers: A polymer composed of alanine, tyrosine, and lysine would be classified as what type of molecule?

Introduction / Context:Biopolymers are recognized by their repeating monomer units. Correctly identifying the polymer class from its monomers is a core skill in biochemistry and cell biology.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Monomers listed: alanine, tyrosine, lysine.
• These are standard alpha-amino acids.
• No other chemical classes are implied.

Concept / Approach:Proteins are polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) are polymers of nucleotides; phospholipids are built from glycerol, fatty acids, and phosphate-containing headgroups; polysaccharides are polymers of monosaccharides. Therefore, a chain of amino acids defines a protein or peptide.

Step-by-Step Solution:Recognize alanine, tyrosine, lysine as amino acids.Recall that amino acids form polypeptide chains via peptide bonds.Classify the polymer as a protein.

Verification / Alternative check:Tyrosine brings an aromatic phenolic side chain; lysine contributes a basic side chain; alanine is nonpolar—typical amino acid diversity seen in proteins.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• DNA: Built from nucleotides (A, T, G, C), not amino acids.
• Phospholipid: Not a polymer of amino acids.
• Strong base: A property, not a macromolecule class.
• Polysaccharide: Built from sugars.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing amino acid names with nucleotides or fatty acids; learn characteristic functional groups.

Final Answer:Protein.