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 statements correctly describes a key difference between phospholipids and detergents?

Phospholipids are usually smaller molecules than detergents.

Phospholipids typically form bilayers in aqueous solutions, while detergents tend to form micelles.

Detergents are major structural components of biological membranes, while phospholipids are not.

Detergents have two hydrophobic tails, whereas phospholipids have only one.

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the structural differences between phospholipids and detergents. Phospholipids consist of a hydrophilic (polar) head group and two hydrophobic (nonpolar) fatty acid tails, while detergents typically have a single hydrophobic tail and a hydrophilic head group.

Step 2: Explore how these structural differences influence their behavior in aqueous solutions. Phospholipids tend to form bilayers due to their two hydrophobic tails, which allow them to align in a way that minimizes exposure of the tails to water. Detergents, with only one hydrophobic tail, tend to form micelles, spherical structures where the tails are shielded inside and the hydrophilic heads face outward.

Step 3: Clarify the role of phospholipids and detergents in biological systems. Phospholipids are major structural components of biological membranes, forming the lipid bilayer that serves as a barrier and platform for membrane proteins. Detergents, on the other hand, are not structural components of membranes but are often used in laboratory settings to solubilize membrane proteins.

Step 4: Address the incorrect statements in the problem. For example, the claim that phospholipids are smaller molecules than detergents is incorrect because molecular size depends on the specific detergent or phospholipid being compared. Similarly, the statement that detergents have two hydrophobic tails is incorrect; they typically have only one.

Step 5: Conclude by emphasizing the correct answer: Phospholipids typically form bilayers in aqueous solutions, while detergents tend to form micelles. This difference is a direct result of their structural properties and is key to understanding their distinct roles in biochemistry.