Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids pack more closely together, allowing stronger dispersion forces.

Question 2

Which process is responsible for converting liquid vegetable oils into solid fats, and what is a potential negative health consequence of this process?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogenation; it can create trans fats that are linked to heart disease.

Question 3

A patient is prescribed an NSAID to reduce inflammation after an injury. Which biochemical pathway is being targeted by this medication?

Accepted Answer

The synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the structure of a wax?

Accepted Answer

An ester formed from a long-chain alcohol and a long-chain carboxylic acid.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

They must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize enough of them.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct description of saponification?

Accepted Answer

The base hydrolysis of a fat to produce glycerol and soap.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why soap can dissolve grease in water?

Accepted Answer

Soap molecules have a polar carboxylate end that interacts with water and a nonpolar tail that interacts with grease.

Question 8

Which of the following is a structural difference between glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids?

Accepted Answer

Glycerophospholipids contain a glycerol backbone, while sphingolipids contain a sphingosine backbone.

Question 9

A person with multiple sclerosis experiences nerve signal transmission problems due to the loss of which lipid component?

Accepted Answer

Sphingomyelin in the myelin sheath.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about cholesterol is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol is highly soluble in water and easily transported in the bloodstream without assistance.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of bile salts in digestion?

Accepted Answer

They emulsify fats, making them soluble in water for absorption.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about lipoproteins is correct?

Accepted Answer

LDL transports cholesterol to tissues, and excess LDL can lead to plaque formation.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the adrenal corticosteroid aldosterone?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of electrolyte and water balance by the kidneys.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the fluid mosaic model of cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

Membranes are flexible, with proteins and lipids able to move laterally.

Question 15

Which of the following transport processes requires energy input from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the effect of cis-double bonds in membrane lipids?

Accepted Answer

They increase membrane fluidity by preventing tight packing.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct description of the structure of cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

It contains three six-membered rings and one five-membered ring.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about anabolic steroids?

Accepted Answer

They are derivatives of testosterone and can increase muscle mass.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why omega-3 fatty acids are considered healthy?

Accepted Answer

They are polyunsaturated fats that help prevent atherosclerosis.

Question 20

A patient is found to have gallstones composed primarily of cholesterol. Which of the following best explains the formation of these gallstones?

Accepted Answer

Large amounts of cholesterol accumulate in the gallbladder and precipitate.

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

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