Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol backbone via ester bonds.

Question 2

What type of reaction forms the bonds between glycerol and fatty acids in a triacylglycerol?

Accepted Answer

Esterification, which produces water as a byproduct.

Question 3

Which of the following triacylglycerols would most likely be solid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

A triacylglycerol containing only saturated fatty acids.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about fats and oils is correct?

Accepted Answer

Fats are generally solid at room temperature due to a higher proportion of saturated fatty acids.

Question 5

Given the following fatty acids: palmitic acid (C16:0), myristic acid (C14:0), and oleic acid (C18:1), which one is unsaturated?

Accepted Answer

Oleic acid (C18:1)

Question 6

What is the main function of triacylglycerols in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Energy storage and insulation.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why oils are liquid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

They contain a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, which introduce kinks and prevent tight packing.

Question 8

Which of the following is the correct general formula for the esterification reaction between glycerol and a fatty acid?

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{glycerol} + 3 \ \mathrm{fatty\ acids} \rightarrow \mathrm{triacylglycerol} + 3 \ \mathrm{H_2O} $$

Question 9

A triacylglycerol is composed of one myristic acid (C14:0), one palmitic acid (C16:0), and one oleic acid (C18:1). Would you expect this molecule to be solid or liquid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

It would likely be semi-solid or soft, due to the presence of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

Question 10

Which of the following would increase the melting point of a triacylglycerol?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the proportion of saturated fatty acids.

Question 11

Which bond is formed between the hydroxyl group of glycerol and the carboxyl group of a fatty acid in a triacylglycerol?

Accepted Answer

Ester bond

Question 12

If a triacylglycerol contains three fatty acids with the following structures: C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1, which fatty acid introduces a kink in the molecule?

Accepted Answer

C18:1

Question 13

Which of the following is a consequence of the presence of double bonds in fatty acids within triacylglycerols?

Accepted Answer

Double bonds cause kinks, preventing tight packing and lowering the melting point.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a function of triacylglycerols in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing metabolic reactions

Question 15

A patient is found to have a high proportion of saturated fats in their diet. What effect might this have on the physical properties of their adipose tissue?

Accepted Answer

Their adipose tissue would be more solid at body temperature.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between fats and oils?

Accepted Answer

Fats are solid at room temperature and contain more saturated fatty acids, while oils are liquid and contain more unsaturated fatty acids.

Question 17

Which of the following would you expect to have the lowest melting point?

Accepted Answer

A triacylglycerol with three polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the formation of triacylglycerols?

Accepted Answer

It involves the removal of three molecules of water for each triacylglycerol formed.

Question 19

Which of the following would be a likely consequence of replacing all saturated fatty acids in a triacylglycerol with unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

The triacylglycerol would become more liquid at room temperature.

Triacylglycerols: Structure, Function, and Properties in GOB Chemistry

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