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Multiple Choice
Which of the following are the primary building blocks of most lipid molecules?
A
Amino acids
B
Fatty acids and glycerol
C
Nucleotides
D
Monosaccharides
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of lipids: Lipids are a diverse group of biomolecules, but most lipid molecules are composed of fatty acids and glycerol. Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end, while glycerol is a three-carbon alcohol with hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to each carbon.
Eliminate incorrect options: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not lipids. Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Monosaccharides are simple sugars and are the building blocks of carbohydrates.
Focus on the correct components: Fatty acids and glycerol are the primary building blocks of most lipid molecules. For example, triglycerides, a common type of lipid, consist of three fatty acids esterified to a glycerol backbone.
Relate to lipid function: Lipids play key roles in energy storage, membrane structure, and signaling. The fatty acid chains provide hydrophobic properties, while glycerol serves as a backbone for attachment.
Summarize the answer: The correct answer is 'Fatty acids and glycerol,' as these are the fundamental components of most lipid molecules, distinguishing them from other biomolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.