Biology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What are the four macromolecules essential to life?

1. Glucose, sodium, potassium, magnesium

2. Nucleic acids, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates

3. Mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes, centrioles

4. Chloroplasts, vacuoles, cell wall, nucleolus

The correct answer is: Nucleic acids, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates

While glucose, sodium, potassium, and magnesium are important to various biological processes, they are not macromolecules. They are either elements or simple molecules. Choices C and D refer to cell organelles, which are not macromolecules either. These organelles may contain macromolecules, but they themselves are not classified as macromolecules. Nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins are the four macromolecules essential to life because they play critical roles in cellular functions such as energy storage and transfer, genetic information storage and transfer, and structural support and protection. They are large molecules made up of smaller subunits and are essential for the function and survival of living organisms.