Multiple Choice
Why are fats considered superior to carbohydrates for long-term energy storage in animals?
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10. Lipids
Fatty Acids
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Which component of a triglyceride molecule undergoes \( \beta \)-oxidation during fatty acid catabolism?
A
The ester bonds
B
The glycerol backbone
C
The fatty acid chains
D
The phosphate group
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of a triglyceride molecule: It consists of a glycerol backbone attached to three fatty acid chains via ester bonds.
Recall the process of fatty acid catabolism, specifically β-oxidation: This is the metabolic pathway where fatty acid chains are broken down into acetyl-CoA units in the mitochondria.
Identify the components of a triglyceride molecule: The glycerol backbone, ester bonds, and fatty acid chains. Note that β-oxidation specifically targets the fatty acid chains.
Explain why the fatty acid chains undergo β-oxidation: Fatty acid chains are long hydrocarbon chains that serve as energy-rich molecules. During β-oxidation, these chains are systematically shortened by removing two-carbon units as acetyl-CoA.
Clarify that other components of the triglyceride molecule, such as the glycerol backbone and ester bonds, do not directly participate in β-oxidation. The phosphate group mentioned in the problem is not part of a triglyceride molecule.
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