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Multiple Choice
Which of the following structural features is characteristic of cholesterol?
A
A long unbranched hydrocarbon chain with a terminal carboxyl group
B
A glycerol backbone esterified to three fatty acids
C
A fused four-ring (steroid) structure with a hydroxyl group at C3
D
A phosphate group attached to a glycerol backbone and two fatty acids
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the structural features of cholesterol. Cholesterol is a type of lipid classified as a sterol, which is a subgroup of steroids.
Step 2: Recall that steroids are characterized by a fused four-ring structure. Specifically, cholesterol has three six-membered rings and one five-membered ring fused together.
Step 3: Note that cholesterol also contains a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to the carbon at position C3 of the steroid nucleus. This hydroxyl group contributes to its amphipathic nature.
Step 4: Compare the structural features of cholesterol to the options provided. Eliminate options that describe other types of lipids, such as fatty acids, triglycerides, or phospholipids, which do not have the steroid nucleus.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct structural feature of cholesterol is 'A fused four-ring (steroid) structure with a hydroxyl group at C3,' as this matches the defining characteristics of cholesterol.