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Multiple Choice
Which structural feature of fats makes them highly efficient for energy storage compared to other macromolecules?
A
They have a high proportion of polar functional groups.
B
They are composed of repeating monosaccharide units.
C
They contain peptide bonds between amino acids.
D
They have long hydrocarbon chains with many C–H bonds.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of fats in energy storage: Fats are a type of lipid, and their primary function in the body is long-term energy storage. They are more efficient than carbohydrates or proteins for this purpose due to their chemical structure.
Examine the structural features of fats: Fats are composed of glycerol and fatty acid chains. The fatty acid chains are long hydrocarbon chains, which consist of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms bonded together.
Analyze the energy content of C–H bonds: The C–H bonds in hydrocarbon chains are nonpolar and store a significant amount of chemical energy. When these bonds are broken during metabolic processes, they release a large amount of energy.
Compare fats to other macromolecules: Unlike carbohydrates (which have polar functional groups) or proteins (which contain peptide bonds), fats have a higher proportion of C–H bonds and fewer polar groups, making them more energy-dense.
Conclude why fats are efficient for energy storage: The long hydrocarbon chains with many C–H bonds allow fats to store more energy per gram compared to other macromolecules, making them highly efficient for energy storage.