Question

ct all of the following functions of lipids that are essential to living organisms.
provide short term boosts of energy
provide comparatively light - weight long - term energy storage
comprise vital hormones and chemical signalers
provide skin elasticity, hair strength, and fingernail strength
aid in the synthesis of proteins
provide insulation from cold and injury
comprise the plasma membrane of cells and gives them flexibility
provide a protective and waterproof covering for plants

Explanation:

1. Analyze each option:

• "Provide short term boosts of energy": Carbohydrates are for short - term energy, not lipids. So this is incorrect.
• "Provide comparatively light - weight long - term energy storage": Lipids (like fats) are a good long - term energy storage molecule and are relatively lightweight in terms of energy per unit mass. This is a function of lipids.
• "Comprise vital hormones and chemical signalers": Steroid hormones (a type of lipid) like estrogen, testosterone are vital, and lipids are involved in chemical signaling. This is a function of lipids.
• "Provide skin elasticity, hair strength, and fingernail strength": Proteins (like keratin) are responsible for hair, skin, and nail strength, not lipids. So this is incorrect.
• "Aid in the synthesis of proteins": Lipids do not aid in protein synthesis. So this is incorrect.
• "Provide insulation from cold and injury": Lipids (like adipose tissue) provide insulation against cold and protect from injury. This is a function of lipids.
• "Comprise the plasma membrane of cells and gives them flexibility": The plasma membrane is made of a lipid bilayer (phospholipids) and cholesterol (a lipid) provides flexibility. This is a function of lipids.
• "Provide a protective and waterproof covering for plants": Cutin (a lipid) in plant cuticle provides a waterproof and protective covering. This is a function of lipids.

Answer:

• Provide comparatively light - weight long - term energy storage
• Comprise vital hormones and chemical signalers
• Provide insulation from cold and injury
• Comprise the plasma membrane of cells and gives them flexibility
• Provide a protective and waterproof covering for plants