Which statement is true regarding polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are indeed made up of nucleotides, which are the fundamental building blocks of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. Each nucleotide consists of three components: a nitrogenous base, a sugar molecule (ribose in RNA or deoxyribose in DNA), and one or more phosphate groups. These nucleotides are linked together through phosphodiester bonds, forming long chains that can store and transmit genetic information.

The other options describe components that are not associated with polynucleotides. Lipids pertain to a different category of biomolecules involved in cell membrane structure and energy storage, while proteins are polymers of amino acids designed for various structural, enzymatic, and regulatory functions in the cell. Furthermore, the concept of a branched structure does not apply to polynucleotides as they typically form linear chains. Understanding this context helps clarify the unique and crucial role of nucleotides in biological processes.