Question 1

Which of the following best explains why saturated fatty acids are solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fatty acids are typically liquid?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have straight hydrocarbon tails that allow them to pack tightly together, forming a solid structure.

Question 2

A triglyceride molecule is formed by the bonding of which components?

Accepted Answer

Three fatty acids and one glycerol molecule

Question 3

Which structural feature distinguishes unsaturated fatty acids from saturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds in their hydrocarbon chains.

Question 4

Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes. Which property of phospholipids allows them to form bilayers in aqueous environments?

Accepted Answer

They have both hydrophilic phosphate heads and hydrophobic fatty acid tails.

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of waxes in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Waxes restrict water loss and protect against pests on plant leaves.

Question 6

A student observes that butter is solid at room temperature, while olive oil is liquid. Which molecular feature accounts for this difference?

Accepted Answer

Butter contains mostly saturated fatty acids, while olive oil contains mostly unsaturated fatty acids.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the amphipathic nature of phospholipids?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Question 8

Which type of lipid is characterized by a rigid backbone of four carbon rings and is found in animal cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

Steroids

Question 9

What is the primary reason unsaturated fatty acids are more flexible than saturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

The presence of double bonds introduces kinks in the hydrocarbon chain.

Question 10

Which of the following equations correctly represents the general formula for a fatty acid?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{R{-}COOH}$

Question 11

Which of the following statements about the structure of waxes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Waxes are lipids with long fatty acid tails bonded to long chain alcohols or carbon rings.

Question 12

Which of the following lipids is most likely to be found in honeycomb structures made by bees?

Accepted Answer

Waxes

Question 13

A scientist is studying the waterproofing of bird feathers. Which type of lipid is primarily responsible for this property?

Accepted Answer

Waxes

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a function of lipids in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing chemical reactions as enzymes

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference in molecular structure between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have only single bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.

Question 16

Which of the following lipids is a precursor for hormones such as estrogen and testosterone?

Accepted Answer

Steroids

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the solubility of fatty acids in water is correct?

Accepted Answer

Fatty acids are generally insoluble in water due to their long nonpolar hydrocarbon tails.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids form bilayers in cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

Their hydrophilic heads face outward toward water, while their hydrophobic tails face inward, away from water.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of lipids in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Lipids serve as long-term energy storage molecules and provide structural support for cell membranes.

Lipids: Structure, Types, and Biological Functions

Study Guide - Practice Questions