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 more tightly due to their straight chains, maximizing London dispersion forces.

Question 2

A patient is prescribed a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids. Which of the following foods would best help meet this requirement, and what is a key health benefit of omega-3s?

Accepted Answer

Salmon; omega-3s have anti-inflammatory effects.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the structure of a triacylglycerol (triglyceride)?

Accepted Answer

Three fatty acids esterified to a glycerol backbone.

Question 4

Which of the following is a correct statement about the function of bile salts in digestion?

Accepted Answer

Bile salts emulsify dietary fats, increasing their solubility in the intestine.

Question 5

A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) is experiencing neurological symptoms due to demyelination. Which lipid class is most directly involved in the structure of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

Sphingolipids (specifically sphingomyelin)

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the amphipathic nature of phospholipids and its significance in biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have both hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, enabling bilayer formation.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about trans fatty acids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Trans fatty acids are produced during the artificial hydrogenation of oils and are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Question 8

A molecule of lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) contains which of the following components?

Accepted Answer

Glycerol, two fatty acids, phosphate, and choline

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why triacylglycerols are efficient energy storage molecules in animals?

Accepted Answer

They are nonpolar, anhydrous, and yield more ATP per carbon than carbohydrates.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about cholesterol is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol is a precursor for steroid hormones and vitamin D synthesis.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the body?

Accepted Answer

HDL transports cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver for excretion.

Question 12

A patient is prescribed aspirin for its anti-inflammatory effects. Which enzyme does aspirin inhibit, and what is the result?

Accepted Answer

Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and inflammation.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between a wax and a triacylglycerol?

Accepted Answer

A wax is an ester of a fatty acid and a long-chain alcohol, while a triacylglycerol is an ester of three fatty acids and glycerol.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why unsaturated fatty acids are usually liquid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

The cis double bonds introduce kinks, preventing tight packing and lowering the melting point.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct description of the omega-3 fatty acid classification system?

Accepted Answer

The first double bond is counted from the methyl (omega) end.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of sphingolipids in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They are major components of the myelin sheath, providing insulation for nerve fibers.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the function of membrane transport proteins?

Accepted Answer

They allow selective movement of polar molecules across the hydrophobic membrane bilayer.

Question 18

A patient with a diet extremely high in LDL cholesterol is at increased risk for which of the following conditions, and why?

Accepted Answer

Atherosclerosis, because LDL deposits cholesterol in arterial walls forming plaques.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process by which fatty acids are stored in adipose tissue?

Accepted Answer

Fatty acids are hydrolyzed from triacylglycerols and then re-esterified to glycerol for storage.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of a glycolipid?

Accepted Answer

A glycolipid contains a sphingosine backbone, a fatty acid, and a carbohydrate group.

Chapter 17: Lipids – Structure, Function, and Biological Importance

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards