The molecule shown the figure is a ________.

• A. Fatty acid.
• B. Wax.
• C. Steroid.
• D. Triacylglycerol.
• E. Phospholipid.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Examine the structure of the molecule in the image. Notice the presence of four fused rings, which is a characteristic feature of steroids.
2. Identify the functional groups attached to the rings. In this case, there are hydroxyl (OH) groups and carbonyl (C=O) groups, which are common in steroid structures.
3. Compare the structure to the options provided: fatty acid, wax, steroid, triacylglycerol, and phospholipid. Recognize that fatty acids typically have long hydrocarbon chains, waxes are esters of long-chain alcohols and fatty acids, triacylglycerols are composed of glycerol and three fatty acids, and phospholipids contain a phosphate group.
4. Understand that steroids are a class of lipids characterized by a carbon skeleton with four fused rings. The structure in the image matches this description.
5. Conclude that the molecule shown in the figure is a steroid based on the presence of the four-ring structure and the functional groups present.