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Multiple Choice
A molecule with the chemical formula is an example of which type of organic molecule?
A
Monosaccharide
B
Nucleic acid
C
Amino acid
D
Triglyceride (fat)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the molecular formula given: \(C_{57}H_{110}O_6\).
Recall the general characteristics of common classes of organic molecules: monosaccharides typically have a formula close to \((CH_2O)_n\), nucleic acids contain nitrogen and phosphorus along with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes sulfur, and amino acids contain nitrogen as well.
Note that the formula contains a large number of carbons and hydrogens with relatively few oxygens and no nitrogen or phosphorus, which is typical of lipids rather than carbohydrates or proteins.
Recognize that triglycerides (fats) generally have long hydrocarbon chains (fatty acids) esterified to a glycerol backbone, resulting in formulas with many carbons and hydrogens and a small number of oxygens, consistent with \(C_{57}H_{110}O_6\).
Conclude that the molecule with formula \(C_{57}H_{110}O_6\) is best classified as a triglyceride (fat) based on its elemental composition and typical structure.