Mucins are best described as which type of macromolecule?

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

Answer: (C)

Mucins are best described as glycoproteins. They have a protein backbone with many carbohydrate (sugar) chains attached, making them large, heavily glycosylated molecules. Those carbohydrate groups give mucus its water-binding, gel-like properties, enabling lubrication and protection on mucosal surfaces. This distinguishes them from lipids (fats used for energy and membranes), nucleic acids (DNA/RNA that store genetic information), and carbohydrates alone (which lack the protein component). So the defining feature is the protein core with extensive carbohydrate attachments, i.e., a glycoprotein.