Question

Imagine a newly discovered biological molecule that is mostly hydrophobic in its structure. This new molecule will most likely be classified as a___________.

Answer 1

Complete question:

Imagine a newly discovered biological molecule that is mostly hydrophobic in its structure. This new molecule will most likely be classified as a___________.

a. Proteins

b. Lipids

c. Nucleic acids

d. Carbohydrates

Answer:

b. Lipids

Explanation:

Lipids are the biomolecules that are mostly nonpolar in nature. Storage lipids such as fatty acids and oils have small or long chains of hydrocarbons. This makes them largely hydrophobic. Similarly, phospholipids have fatty acid chains that make their hydrophobic component. Steroids are also the lipids that have a distinct sterol nucleus in their structure. This makes then hydrophobic. Therefore, most of the lipids have structural components that make them largely hydrophobic molecules. So, the newly discovered molecule is most likely a lipid.