Final answer:
Carbohydrates and lipids are the molecules used for storing energy for periods longer than several minutes, with carbohydrates often stored as glycogen or starch, and lipids providing energy-dense, long-term storage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molecules that could possibly be examined by the researcher for storing energy for time spans longer than several minutes are Carbohydrate and Lipid. While ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier for immediate energy needs in the cell, it is not stable enough for long-term energy storage. Instead, cells convert energy into more stable forms like carbohydrates (e.g., glucose, glycogen) and lipids, which are then broken down when energy is required to regenerate ATP. Carbohydrates are often stored as starch or glycogen and provide a quick source of energy upon conversion back to glucose. Lipids, on the other hand, offer a more compact and energy-dense storage option, making them suitable for longer-term energy needs.