Multiple Choice
Which of the following is false?
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2. Chemical Components of Cells
Four Classes of Macromolecules
Multiple Choice
In cell biology, how does a phospholipid differ from a triglyceride in terms of structure and typical role in cells?
A
A phospholipid has three fatty acid tails and is primarily used for long-term energy storage, whereas a triglyceride has two fatty acid tails and forms membrane bilayers.
B
A phospholipid contains a sugar ring as its backbone, whereas a triglyceride contains peptide bonds linking fatty acids.
C
A phospholipid is a polymer of amino acids, whereas a triglyceride is a polymer of nucleotides.
D
A phospholipid has two fatty acid tails and a phosphate-containing polar head and commonly forms membrane bilayers, whereas a triglyceride has three fatty acid tails and is primarily used for energy storage.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the basic structural components of both phospholipids and triglycerides: phospholipids consist of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid tails, and a phosphate-containing polar head group; triglycerides consist of a glycerol backbone and three fatty acid tails without a phosphate group.
Understand the polarity difference: the phosphate group in phospholipids is hydrophilic (water-attracting), while the fatty acid tails are hydrophobic (water-repelling), making phospholipids amphipathic molecules.
Recognize the functional consequence of this amphipathic nature: phospholipids arrange themselves into bilayers in aqueous environments, forming the fundamental structure of cell membranes.
Contrast this with triglycerides, which are nonpolar and hydrophobic molecules primarily used by cells for long-term energy storage in fat droplets rather than forming membranes.
Summarize that the key difference lies in the number of fatty acid tails and the presence of a phosphate group, which determines their distinct roles—phospholipids in membrane structure and triglycerides in energy storage.
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