1. For the molecule below,
1a. Identify the molecule as a protein or a nucleic acid.
1b. Defend your answer.

2. 2. Explain how your body is able to differentiate between the amino acids glycine, alanine, and serine when building a protein.

3. 3. Explain why a weightlifter trying to build muscle would take an amino acid supplement.

4. 4. During flu season (September – February), your respiratory system is exposed to all kinds of airborne viruses. Identify the type of protein you would needs to make during this time of year, and defend your answer.

5. 5. Explain why a toucan can use the same 20 amino acids to build all of the different proteins it needs to live.

6. 6. Explain HOW a toucan knows how to build the various proteins it needs to live.