Question

a team of scientists and engineers is working together to develop a new cleaning product. the team has identified a species of bacteria that gets energy by breaking apart lipids and oils. the team wants to isolate the key substance that the bacteria use for this process, and then adapt the substances for the new cleaning product. which macromolecules should the team try to isolate form the bacteria? a lipid or oil that is unique to the bacteria a protein that specifically binds lipids or oils a carbohydrate that is about the same size as a typical lipid or oil molecule a nucleic acid that codes for the production of a lipid or oil

Explanation:

Enzymes, which are proteins, catalyze biochemical reactions. Since the bacteria break apart lipids and oils for energy, the key substance is likely a protein (enzyme) that specifically binds and acts on lipids or oils. Lipids and oils are what the bacteria break down, not the substance they use to break them down. Carbohydrates are not involved in this lipid - breaking process. Nucleic acids code for proteins but are not the direct active substances in breaking down lipids.

Answer:

B. a protein that specifically binds lipids or oils