Question

carbohydrates and proteins are two types of macromolecules. which functional characteristic of proteins distinguishes them from carbohydrates? a large amount of stored information b ability to catalyze biochemical reactions c efficient storage of usable chemical energy d tendency to make cell membranes hydrophobic

Explanation:

• Option A: Storing large amounts of information is a characteristic of nucleic acids (like DNA/RNA), not proteins or carbohydrates. So A is incorrect.
• Option B: Proteins (enzymes) can act as catalysts for biochemical reactions. Carbohydrates do not have catalytic activity. This is a key functional difference.
• Option C: Carbohydrates (like glycogen, starch) and fats are better at storing chemical energy efficiently than proteins. So C is incorrect.
• Option D: Cell membranes' hydrophobic nature is due to phospholipids, not proteins or carbohydrates. So D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. ability to catalyze biochemical reactions