Which of the following macromolecules is primarily involved in energy storage?

Excel in your Biology Regents Exam. Utilize interactive quizzes with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by hints and explanations. Prepare effectively!

Lipids are primarily involved in energy storage due to their chemical structure and composition. Unlike carbohydrates, which can also serve as energy sources but are often more readily used for immediate energy needs, lipids are more efficient for long-term energy storage. They contain long chains of hydrocarbons that can store a large amount of energy in their chemical bonds.

When the body requires energy, lipids can be broken down through metabolic processes to release that stored energy. Additionally, lipids help to form cell membranes and serve various functions in signaling, but their ability to hold energy makes them a key macromolecule in energy storage.

While carbohydrates can also serve as energy sources, especially in the form of glycogen or starch, they tend to be more readily available for quick energy needs rather than for long-term storage compared to lipids. Proteins primarily serve structural and functional roles within the cell, and nucleic acids are involved in genetic information storage and transfer rather than energy storage. Thus, lipids are the most significant macromolecules when it comes to energy storage in biological systems.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy