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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes a difference in the structures of lipids and proteins?
A
Lipids are always linear molecules, while proteins are always branched.
B
Proteins are generally hydrophobic, while lipids are always hydrophilic.
C
Lipids are primarily composed of long hydrocarbon chains, while proteins are polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
D
Lipids contain repeating nucleotide units, whereas proteins do not.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structural composition of lipids. Lipids are primarily composed of long hydrocarbon chains or rings, which are hydrophobic in nature. They do not form polymers like proteins do.
Step 2: Examine the structural composition of proteins. Proteins are polymers made up of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Each amino acid contains an amino group (-NH₂), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a unique side chain (R group).
Step 3: Compare the structural differences between lipids and proteins. Lipids are not composed of repeating nucleotide units, nor are they linear molecules in all cases. Proteins, on the other hand, are branched due to their complex tertiary and quaternary structures.
Step 4: Address the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. Proteins can have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions depending on their amino acid composition, while lipids are generally hydrophobic due to their long hydrocarbon chains.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of the structural difference is: 'Lipids are primarily composed of long hydrocarbon chains, while proteins are polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.' This highlights the fundamental distinction between these two biomolecules.