Question

The following biomolecules are arranged in increasing order of their average percentage composition of the total cellular mass. Which of these orders is correct?

• A. Ions < Lipids< Carbohydrates < Nucleic acids < Proteins
• B. Lipids < Ions< Carbohydrates < Nucleic acids < Proteins
• C. Ions < Carbohydrates< Lipids < Nucleic acids < Proteins
• D. Ions < Nucleic acids < Carbohydrates < Lipids < Proteins

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Maximum percentage is water in the cells. This is around 70-90%. Out of macromolecules proteins are highest that accounts for 10-15% of total cellular mass. This is followed by nucleic acids (5-7%) and then carbohydrates (3%). Lipids and ions constitute only 2% and 1% respectively.