Question

How do lipids differ from other macromolecules?

Answer 1

Hint: Polymers are substances made up of a large number of repeating molecules. They make up many materials in living organisms like proteins, cellulose, etc.

Complete answer:
Macromolecules are large molecules made up of a large number of atoms. Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids all are macromolecules. Almost all macromolecules are polymers made up of monomers like carbohydrates are polysaccharides made up of monosaccharides;

Proteins are polymers of amino acids while DNA/RNA is made up of the polynucleotide. The only exceptions are lipids because they are not polymers of any single monomers i.e. they do not occur in polymers but occur in aggregates. They are macromolecules made up of many different components. For example, triglycerides are subunits made up of fatty acids and glycerol.

Another major characteristic that differentiates the lipids from other macromolecules is their hydrophobicity. The lipids contain diverse groups of naturally occurring compounds like vitamins, sterol, waxes, etc all these are insoluble in water.

There is also a difference in the chemical composition of the lipids and other macromolecules. Proteins contain nitrogen and sulfur in their composition and nucleic acids contain nitrogen and phosphorus also but lipids are generally made up of C, H, and O except for phospholipids (which contain phosphorus).

Hence, the correct answer is option ()

Note: Lipids are not polymers and are shorter than the three and contain more energy. Lipids are an important component of our cell membrane. Also, lipids contain more energy per gram than carbohydrates but carbohydrates are easily digested than lipids and can easily release energy.