Aperson working in your lab creates a synthetic semi-fluid like substance embedded with proteins that transport nutrients and ions. this leads you to believe the substance is most similar to

It is mostly likely the cell membrane.

The cell membrane is a structure of a cell composed of double layer of lipids and proteins. It surrounds a cell and separates the cytoplasm from its surrounding environment. The cell membrane is selectively permeable (semi-permeable), which means that it only lets certain molecules enter and exit. It can also control the amount of some substances that go into or out of the cell.  

oak trees? ? what was listed

i think it is dna, i'm not totally sure but i think it might be.