Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following elements are found in all lipids?
A
Carbon, hydrogen, and phosphorus
B
Carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur
C
Carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen
D
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by recalling the basic structure of lipids. Lipids are a diverse group of biological molecules, but they all share a common feature: they are primarily composed of long hydrocarbon chains or rings, which consist of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H).
Step 2: Understand that lipids also contain oxygen (O) in certain functional groups, such as the carboxyl group (-COOH) found in fatty acids or the ester bonds in triglycerides. This makes carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen essential elements in all lipids.
Step 3: Eliminate the incorrect options by analyzing the elements listed. Phosphorus (P) is found in specific types of lipids, such as phospholipids, but not in all lipids. Sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) are not common components of lipids; they are more typical in proteins and nucleic acids.
Step 4: Confirm that the correct answer is carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, as these elements are universally present in all lipid molecules, regardless of their specific type or function.
Step 5: To solidify your understanding, consider examples of lipids such as triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols, and identify the presence of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in their molecular structures.