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Multiple Choice
What is the primary function of lipids in biological systems?
A
Transporting oxygen in the blood
B
Encoding genetic information
C
Energy storage
D
Catalyzing biochemical reactions
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding what lipids are. Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic molecules, including fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids, that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents.
Step 2: Review the primary functions of lipids in biological systems. Lipids play key roles in energy storage, structural components of cell membranes, and signaling molecules.
Step 3: Compare the given options to the known functions of lipids. For example, transporting oxygen in the blood is primarily the role of hemoglobin, encoding genetic information is the role of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and catalyzing biochemical reactions is the role of enzymes (proteins).
Step 4: Focus on the correct function of lipids: energy storage. Lipids, particularly triglycerides, are efficient energy storage molecules because they contain long hydrocarbon chains that yield a high amount of energy when metabolized.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'Energy storage,' as this aligns with the biological role of lipids in storing energy for long-term use in organisms.