National League for Nursing (NLN) Science Practice Exam

In most living things, which of the following groups of chemicals is found naturally?

1. lipids

2. synthetic polymers

3. nucleic acids

4. carbohydrates

The correct answer is: synthetic polymers

The correct answer is that lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates are all natural compounds found in living organisms. Among these, lipids serve important roles in cell membranes and energy storage. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are crucial for storing and transmitting genetic information. Carbohydrates are vital for energy supply and structural functions in cells. In contrast, synthetic polymers are man-made substances designed for various applications but not found in nature. They often include materials like plastics, which are derived from chemical reactions in a lab and do not naturally occur in living organisms. Therefore, while synthetic polymers may emulate certain natural properties, they do not belong to the group of chemicals that are naturally found in living organisms.