Which statement best compares a function of proteins and lipids in a human cell?

• A. Proteins are the main components of cell membranes, whereas lipids are not involved in membrane structure.
• B. Proteins and lipids both primarily function as genetic material in the cell.
• C. Proteins primarily serve as enzymes, while lipids are mainly involved in energy storage.
• D. Both proteins and lipids are primarily responsible for catalyzing biochemical reactions.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the roles of proteins and lipids in a human cell. Proteins serve various functions, including acting as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules. Lipids are primarily involved in forming cell membranes and energy storage.
2. Evaluate the statement that proteins are the main components of cell membranes. While proteins are crucial for membrane function, lipids, specifically phospholipids, are the primary structural components of cell membranes.
3. Consider the statement that proteins and lipids both primarily function as genetic material. This is incorrect because genetic material is primarily composed of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, not proteins or lipids.
4. Analyze the statement that proteins primarily serve as enzymes, while lipids are mainly involved in energy storage. Proteins indeed function as enzymes, catalyzing biochemical reactions, and lipids are key in energy storage, particularly in the form of triglycerides.
5. Review the statement that both proteins and lipids are primarily responsible for catalyzing biochemical reactions. This is inaccurate because proteins, not lipids, are primarily responsible for catalysis in the form of enzymes.