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Multiple Choice
Which of the following characteristics do all lipids have in common?
A
They are composed of glycerol and fatty acids.
B
They are all solid at room temperature.
C
They contain nitrogen.
D
They are insoluble in water.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of lipids: Lipids are a diverse group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They include fats, oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
Identify the common characteristic of lipids: The key feature that all lipids share is their hydrophobic nature, meaning they do not dissolve in water. This is due to their long hydrocarbon chains or rings, which are nonpolar.
Evaluate the given options: Analyze each option to determine if it applies universally to all lipids. For example, not all lipids are composed of glycerol and fatty acids, as steroids do not have these components.
Consider the physical state of lipids: While some lipids are solid at room temperature, such as saturated fats, others like oils are liquid. Therefore, being solid at room temperature is not a universal characteristic.
Assess the presence of nitrogen: Lipids generally do not contain nitrogen. Nitrogen is more commonly found in proteins and nucleic acids, not in the basic structure of lipids.