Question

Arrange the following components of a cell in decreasing order of their percentage presence with respect to total cellular mass: A. Water B. Carbohydrate C. Protein D. Lipid E. Nucleic Acids

• A. A, E, C, B, D
• B. D, B, E, C, A
• C. A, C, E, B, D
• D. A, C, D, B, E

Hint:

General order: Water $>$ Proteins $>$ Nucleic Acids $>$ Carbohydrates $>$ Lipids.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept
Cellular composition and mass percentages.

Step 2: Meaning
Understanding the relative abundance of different macromolecules in a typical cell.

Step 3: Analysis
Approximate mass percentages in a typical cell: Water (A): $\sim$70%; Protein (C): $\sim$15%; Nucleic Acids (E): $\sim$7%; Carbohydrates (B): $\sim$3%; Lipids (D): $\sim$2%. Decreasing order: A $>$ C $>$ E $>$ B $>$ D.

Step 4: Conclusion
In decreasing order of cellular mass: Water (A) $>$ Protein (C) $>$ Nucleic Acids (E) $>$ Carbohydrates (B) $>$ Lipids (D). Final Answer: (C)