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Multiple Choice
Cholesterol is a steroid that has which additional functional group attached to its structure?
A
Hydroxyl group (–OH)
B
Amino group (–NH_2)
C
Carboxyl group (–COOH)
D
Aldehyde group (–CHO)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the structure of cholesterol. Cholesterol is a steroid molecule, which means it has a characteristic four-ring structure known as the steroid nucleus.
Step 2: Recall the functional groups listed in the question: Hydroxyl group (–OH), Amino group (–NH₂), Carboxyl group (–COOH), and Aldehyde group (–CHO). Each of these groups has distinct chemical properties and roles in biochemistry.
Step 3: Identify the functional group attached to cholesterol. Cholesterol has a hydroxyl group (–OH) attached to the carbon at position 3 of the steroid nucleus. This hydroxyl group is responsible for cholesterol's amphipathic nature, making it partially hydrophilic.
Step 4: Eliminate the other options. Cholesterol does not contain an amino group (–NH₂), carboxyl group (–COOH), or aldehyde group (–CHO) in its structure. These groups are not part of the cholesterol molecule.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct functional group attached to cholesterol is the hydroxyl group (–OH), which plays a key role in its biological function and interaction with other molecules.