Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

Lipids

Biochemistry

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

Lipids

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following accurately describes a reason why fats store more energy than carbohydrates?

Fats contain more oxygen atoms than carbohydrates, increasing their energy content.

Fats are more soluble in water, which enhances their energy storage capacity.

Fats are composed of amino acids, which provide more energy than sugars.

Fats have a higher proportion of reduced carbon atoms, allowing for more energy release upon oxidation.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the energy storage difference between fats and carbohydrates: Fats store more energy per gram than carbohydrates because of their chemical structure and the degree of reduction of their carbon atoms.

Analyze the chemical composition of fats: Fats are primarily composed of long hydrocarbon chains (fatty acids) attached to a glycerol backbone. These hydrocarbon chains contain a high proportion of reduced carbon atoms, which are less oxidized compared to the carbon atoms in carbohydrates.

Compare the oxidation states of carbon atoms: Reduced carbon atoms in fats can undergo more oxidation during metabolic processes, such as β-oxidation and the citric acid cycle, releasing more energy in the form of ATP. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, have more oxidized carbon atoms (e.g., in glucose), which limits their energy yield.

Clarify why oxygen content is not the determining factor: Fats contain fewer oxygen atoms compared to carbohydrates, which is why they are less oxidized initially. This lower oxygen content contributes to their higher energy storage capacity, contrary to the incorrect statement that fats contain more oxygen atoms.

Conclude with the correct reasoning: The correct answer is that fats have a higher proportion of reduced carbon atoms, allowing for more energy release upon oxidation. This is the key biochemical principle explaining why fats store more energy than carbohydrates.