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Multiple Choice
Which of the following structures represents a lipid?
A
A chain of nucleotides containing a sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base (nucleic acid)
B
A molecule composed of a glycerol backbone esterified to three fatty acid chains (triglyceride)
C
A polymer of amino acids linked by peptide bonds (polypeptide)
D
A polysaccharide composed of repeating glucose units (cellulose)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the definition of a lipid. Lipids are a class of biomolecules that are hydrophobic or amphipathic in nature. They include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids. Triglycerides, specifically, are a type of lipid composed of a glycerol backbone esterified to three fatty acid chains.
Step 2: Analyze the given options. Each option represents a different type of biomolecule: nucleic acids, triglycerides, polypeptides, and polysaccharides. Identify which one matches the structural characteristics of a lipid.
Step 3: Evaluate the structure of a triglyceride. A triglyceride consists of a glycerol molecule (a three-carbon alcohol) bonded to three fatty acid chains via ester bonds. This structure is characteristic of lipids.
Step 4: Compare the triglyceride structure to the other options. Nucleic acids are composed of nucleotides (sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base), polypeptides are chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, and polysaccharides are polymers of sugars like glucose. None of these match the structural definition of a lipid.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the molecule composed of a glycerol backbone esterified to three fatty acid chains, as this structure represents a lipid (specifically, a triglyceride).