Most lipids contain long chains composed primarily of which two types of atoms?

• A. Oxygen and nitrogen
• B. Sulfur and phosphorus
• C. Calcium and magnesium
• D. Carbon and hydrogen

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that lipids are organic molecules primarily made up of long hydrocarbon chains or rings.
2. Recall that organic molecules typically consist of carbon (C) atoms bonded to hydrogen (H) atoms, forming the backbone of many biological molecules.
3. Recognize that lipids are hydrophobic due to the nonpolar nature of these carbon-hydrogen bonds.
4. Note that while lipids may contain other atoms like oxygen in functional groups, the long chains characteristic of lipids are mainly composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
5. Conclude that the two types of atoms most abundant in the long chains of lipids are carbon and hydrogen.