Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

What are lipids primarily responsible for in the body?

1. Building proteins and DNA

2. Providing energy and insulation

3. Acting as biological catalysts

4. Forming the cell membrane structure

The correct answer is: Providing energy and insulation

Lipids play a crucial role in the body primarily by providing energy and insulation. They are a dense source of energy, yielding more calories per gram than carbohydrates or proteins. This makes them an essential part of the diet for energy storage and supply. In addition to energy, lipids also serve an important function in thermoregulation by insulating the body. The stored fat in adipose tissue helps to maintain body temperature by providing a protective layer that reduces heat loss. This insulation is vital for overall physiological function, especially in maintaining homeostasis. While lipids do contribute to forming cell membrane structures, which is an important aspect of their function, their primary responsibility encompasses energy provision and insulation. Therefore, among the provided options, the correct choice accurately reflects their main roles in the body.