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Multiple Choice
Which class of lipids does the following molecule belong to?\[\text{CH}_3(\text{CH}_2)_{16}\text{COOCH}_2\text{CH}(\text{OH})\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\]
A
Phospholipid
B
Monoacylglycerol
C
Waxes
D
Triacylglycerol
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Analyze the molecular structure provided. The molecule consists of a long hydrocarbon chain ( ext{CH}_3( ext{CH}_2)_{16}) attached to a carboxylic acid group ( ext{COO}) and a glycerol backbone ( ext{CH}_2 ext{CH}( ext{OH}) ext{CH}_2 ext{OH}).
Step 2: Identify the functional groups. The molecule has one fatty acid chain esterified to the glycerol backbone, which is characteristic of monoacylglycerols. A monoacylglycerol contains one fatty acid attached to the glycerol backbone via an ester bond.
Step 3: Compare the structure to other lipid classes. Phospholipids typically contain a phosphate group, which is absent here. Waxes are esters of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols, but this molecule has a glycerol backbone, not a simple alcohol. Triacylglycerols have three fatty acids attached to the glycerol backbone, whereas this molecule has only one.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on the structural analysis. Since the molecule does not contain a phosphate group, it cannot be a phospholipid. It is not a wax due to the presence of a glycerol backbone. It is not a triacylglycerol because it has only one fatty acid chain.
Step 5: Conclude that the molecule belongs to the class of monoacylglycerols, as it matches the defining characteristics of this lipid class: one fatty acid chain esterified to a glycerol backbone.