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Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly matches the lipid with its description?
A
Triglycerides – composed of a glycerol backbone and three phosphate groups
B
Phospholipids – major components of cell membranes, containing a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails
C
Cholesterol – a fatty acid with a long unbranched hydrocarbon chain
D
Sphingolipids – storage form of energy in adipose tissue
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structure and function of each lipid mentioned in the problem. Lipids are a diverse group of molecules, and their descriptions are tied to their chemical structure and biological roles.
Step 2: Analyze the description of triglycerides. Triglycerides are composed of a glycerol backbone and three fatty acid chains, not phosphate groups. This description is incorrect.
Step 3: Evaluate the description of phospholipids. Phospholipids are indeed major components of cell membranes. They consist of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head, which includes a phosphate group, and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) fatty acid tails. This description is correct.
Step 4: Examine the description of cholesterol. Cholesterol is not a fatty acid; it is a sterol, which is a type of lipid with a characteristic four-ring structure. The description provided is incorrect.
Step 5: Assess the description of sphingolipids. Sphingolipids are not primarily used for energy storage in adipose tissue; that role is fulfilled by triglycerides. Sphingolipids are involved in cell signaling and are components of the cell membrane. This description is incorrect.