Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why saturated fatty acids have higher melting points than unsaturated fatty acids of similar length?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids pack closely together, maximizing dispersion forces between chains.

Question 2

A triacylglycerol is formed by the reaction of glycerol with three fatty acids. What type of reaction is this, and what is a byproduct?

Accepted Answer

Esterification; water is produced.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the structure of a phospholipid found in cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

A molecule with two fatty acids, a phosphate group, and a glycerol backbone.

Question 4

Which of the following is a correct condensed structural formula for a saturated fatty acid with 10 carbon atoms?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3$(CH_2$)_8COOH}$$

Question 5

Which of the following statements about omega-3 fatty acids is correct?

Accepted Answer

They have their first double bond at the third carbon from the methyl end.

Question 6

What is the main function of bile salts in the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

They emulsify dietary fats, aiding in their absorption.

Question 7

A patient’s lipid panel shows high LDL and low HDL levels. What does this indicate about their risk for heart disease?

Accepted Answer

They have a higher risk of heart disease.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a component of a typical glycerophospholipid?

Accepted Answer

Steroid nucleus

Question 9

What is the result of the complete hydrogenation of glyceryl trioleate?

Accepted Answer

Glyceryl tristearate

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between LDL and HDL particles?

Accepted Answer

LDL particles carry cholesterol from the liver to tissues, while HDL particles carry cholesterol from tissues to the liver.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct description of the fluid mosaic model of cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

A flexible bilayer of phospholipids with proteins and carbohydrates embedded throughout.

Question 12

Which of the following reactions is used to convert vegetable oils into margarine?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogenation

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of cholesterol in the body?

Accepted Answer

Source of energy for muscles

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why vegetable oils are liquid at room temperature while animal fats are solid?

Accepted Answer

Vegetable oils contain more unsaturated fatty acids with cis double bonds.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct formula for the saponification of a fat?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Fat + 3NaOH \rightarrow Glycerol + 3 Soap}$$

Question 16

Which of the following is a property of waxes?

Accepted Answer

They are esters of long-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the transport of sodium ions across a cell membrane against a concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT classified as a lipid?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 19

Which of the following is an essential fatty acid that must be obtained from the diet?

Accepted Answer

Linoleic acid

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct description of a sphingolipid?

Accepted Answer

A lipid containing sphingosine, a fatty acid, phosphate, and an amino alcohol.

Chapter 17

Study Guide - Practice Questions