In plants, glucose produced during photosynthesis can be polymerized into amylopectin to form starch for energy storage. Both $\alpha$-glucose and amylopectin are carbohydrates.

Complete the table below to show three main differences in structure or bonding between $\alpha$-glucose and amylopectin:

Polypeptides and nucleic acids share several chemical elements, but also have unique elemental compositions that reflect their functional structures.

Name one element that can be present in the R-group of certain amino acids (such as cysteine) to form covalent cross-links in proteins, but is never found in nucleic acids.

Condensation and hydrolysis reactions are fundamental to the synthesis and breakdown of biological macromolecules.

Describe three key similarities in how carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids are polymerized from their respective monomers and subsequently degraded.