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Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules is made up of glycerol and fatty acids?
A
Triglyceride
B
Phosphatidylcholine
C
Sphingosine
D
Cholesterol
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of glycerol and fatty acids: Glycerol is a three-carbon molecule with hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to each carbon, while fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl (-COOH) group at one end.
Learn how glycerol and fatty acids combine: In biochemistry, glycerol and fatty acids can form ester bonds through a dehydration reaction, where the hydroxyl group of glycerol reacts with the carboxyl group of fatty acids, releasing water.
Identify the molecule that fits this description: Triglycerides are composed of one glycerol molecule esterified to three fatty acid chains. This structure matches the combination of glycerol and fatty acids.
Compare the other options: Phosphatidylcholine contains glycerol but also includes phosphate and choline groups, making it a phospholipid. Sphingosine is a backbone molecule for sphingolipids and does not contain glycerol. Cholesterol is a sterol and does not involve glycerol or fatty acids in its structure.
Conclude that the correct answer is Triglyceride, as it is the only molecule in the list made up of glycerol and fatty acids.