Question

Based on the chemical structure of cyanide, identify one type of biological macromolecule that could serve as a chemical precursor for the production of cyanide in a plant. Justify your choice.

Answer 1

Answer:

The biological macro molecule protein can serve as a precursor to the production of cyanide.

Explanation:

Cyanides are chemical compounds that contain the cyanide group(C≡N). Based on the elements attached to the cyanide group cyanides can be classified into organic and inorganic cyanides.

In inorganic cyanides the cyanide group is present as $CN^-$ ion which makes them toxic.  In organic cyanides  $CN^-$ group is not present and thus they are less toxic.

Since nitrogen is the essential component in a cyanide, a biomolecule containing nitrogen will best act as the precursor to cyanide formation.

The biomolecule protein is a long chain polymer of amino acids that contain nitrogen group.  Thus proteins can act as precursor to cyanide formation.