A biology student creates a table that shows the function of the four major macromolecules.

Question

Macromolecule Function
lipids transport oxygen in the blood
proteins help with muscle contractions
nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information
carbohydrates provide usable chemical energy for cells

For which macromolecule does the student list an incorrect function?
A.
the lipids, because they are responsible for long-term energy storage

B.
the proteins, because they are responsible for helping plants retain water

C.
the carbohydrates, because they are responsible for the structure of the cell membrane

D.
the nucleic acids, because they are responsible for providing support for the immune system

Answer 1

The student incorrectly assigned a function to the lipids. The correct functions of lipids include long-term energy storage, insulation, and forming cell membranes. The function listed, "transport oxygen in the blood," is actually the role of proteins, specifically hemoglobin.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

A. the lipids, because they are responsible for long-term energy storage.

(Note: While the option A references "long-term energy storage," the student's function for lipids is incorrect; the statement could be clearer.)