Which biomolecule is primarily used for quick energy storage in animals?

• A. Proteins
• B. Nucleic acids
• C. Carbohydrates
• D. Lipids

Answer: (C)

Quick energy storage in animals comes from carbohydrates because they can be rapidly converted into glucose, the immediate fuel for cellular respiration. Animals store carbohydrates as glycogen, a highly branched polysaccharide in liver and muscle tissue, which can be quickly broken down to glucose to meet sudden energy demands. Lipids hold a lot of energy per gram, but they must be released through a slower process and are used more for long-term storage, not quick energy. Proteins mainly serve structural and functional roles, while nucleic acids store genetic information, not energy. So for a fast energy boost, carbohydrates are the best choice.