Question

The diagram shows the approximate composition (by mass) of a bacterial cell.

image
The following table includes functions of macromolecules in living organisms.



Macromolecule Function
Carbohydrates Main source of energy, main metabolic fuel. Part of cell membranes and cell walls.
Lipids Store energy and provide thermal insulation. Part of cell membranes.
Nucleic Acids Store and transmit genetic information. Part of nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.
Proteins Catalyze reactions, store and transfer smaller molecules and ions, move muscles, defend against disease, part of ribosomes, cell membranes, and endoplasmic reticulum.


Which argument about the structure of macromolecules and their functions is supported by the data?



A.
Lipids are the most abundant and diverse macromolecules in a cell because they are involved in many cell structures and functions.

B.
Proteins are the most abundant and diverse macromolecules in a cell because they are involved in many cell structures and functions.

C.
Nucleic acids are the least abundant and diverse macromolecules in a cell because they are involved in few cell structures and functions.

D.
Carbohydrates are the least abundant and diverse macromolecules in a cell because they are involved in few cell structures and functions.

Answer 1

B.

The diagram shows proteins make up the largest fraction of a bacterial cell by mass. The table lists many different roles for proteins (catalysis, transport, structural components, movement, immunity, etc.), so the data support that proteins are both the most abundant and the most functionally diverse macromolecule in the cell.