Which biomolecule group includes fats, oils, and waxes that store energy?

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Multiple Choice

Which biomolecule group includes fats, oils, and waxes that store energy?

Fats, oils, and waxes are lipids. Lipids are highly energy-dense, hydrophobic molecules, so they store a lot of energy per gram. Their energy comes from long carbon-hydrogen chains; when broken down in metabolism, they yield about 9 kcal per gram, more than carbohydrates or proteins. Fats and oils are triglycerides—three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone—while waxes are esters of fatty acids with long-chain alcohols; both fit under lipids and contribute to energy storage and other functions. This distinguishes them from carbohydrates, which provide quick, readily accessible energy, and from proteins or nucleic acids, which serve structural, catalytic, or informational roles.

Fats, oils, and waxes are lipids. Lipids are highly energy-dense, hydrophobic molecules, so they store a lot of energy per gram. Their energy comes from long carbon-hydrogen chains; when broken down in metabolism, they yield about 9 kcal per gram, more than carbohydrates or proteins. Fats and oils are triglycerides—three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone—while waxes are esters of fatty acids with long-chain alcohols; both fit under lipids and contribute to energy storage and other functions. This distinguishes them from carbohydrates, which provide quick, readily accessible energy, and from proteins or nucleic acids, which serve structural, catalytic, or informational roles.

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