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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about steroids is correct?
A
Steroids are nucleic acids because they contain nitrogenous bases.
B
Steroids are carbohydrates because they contain multiple hydroxyl groups.
C
Steroids are proteins because they are composed of amino acids.
D
Steroids are classified as lipids because they are hydrophobic and derived from isoprene units.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of steroids: Steroids are a class of lipids characterized by a structure consisting of four fused carbon rings. They are hydrophobic molecules, meaning they do not dissolve in water.
Analyze the incorrect options: Steroids are not nucleic acids because they do not contain nitrogenous bases, which are characteristic of DNA and RNA. Steroids are not carbohydrates because they lack the typical structure of carbohydrates, such as a chain of sugar molecules. Steroids are not proteins because they are not composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
Focus on the correct classification: Steroids are classified as lipids because they are hydrophobic and derived from isoprene units. Lipids are a broad category of molecules that include fats, oils, and steroids, all of which share the property of being insoluble in water.
Relate the hydrophobic nature of steroids to their biological function: The hydrophobic nature of steroids allows them to interact with cell membranes and act as signaling molecules, such as hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol).
Conclude with the structural basis of steroids: The four-ring structure of steroids is derived from isoprene units, which are small hydrocarbon molecules. This structural feature is key to their classification as lipids.