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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the primary building blocks (monomers) of most lipids?
A
Amino acids
B
Monosaccharides
C
Nucleotides
D
Fatty acids and glycerol
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of lipids: Lipids are a diverse group of biomolecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids. They are primarily hydrophobic and play roles in energy storage, membrane structure, and signaling.
Identify the building blocks of lipids: Most lipids are formed from fatty acids and glycerol. Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end, while glycerol is a three-carbon molecule with hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to each carbon.
Compare the options provided: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, monosaccharides are the building blocks of carbohydrates, and nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids. None of these are directly involved in forming lipids.
Relate fatty acids and glycerol to lipid formation: Fatty acids and glycerol combine through esterification reactions to form triglycerides, which are a common type of lipid. The reaction involves the hydroxyl groups of glycerol and the carboxyl groups of fatty acids forming ester bonds.
Conclude that fatty acids and glycerol are the correct answer: Based on the structure and synthesis of lipids, fatty acids and glycerol are the primary monomers involved in lipid formation.