Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Which of the following are included in the five biological molecules?

1. Carbs, vitamins, hormones, enzymes

2. Carbs, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acid

3. Fats, water, minerals, proteins

4. Carbs, lipids, proteins, vitamins

The correct answer is: Carbs, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acid

The correct choice identifies the five primary biological macromolecules essential for life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source and play a crucial role in cell structure and function. Lipids, including fats and oils, are vital for storing energy, forming cell membranes, and signaling molecules. Proteins perform numerous functions, including catalyzing biochemical reactions, providing structural support, and aiding in cell signaling. Enzymes, which are a specific category of proteins, facilitate virtually all biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for those reactions. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are fundamental to the storage and expression of genetic information. Other choices listed do not encompass this full range. For instance, vitamins, although important for various biochemical processes, are not categorized as macromolecules. Similarly, while minerals and water are essential for biological functions, they are not included in the classification of the five primary biological molecules.