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Multiple Choice
Which of the following structures consists of glycerol and fatty acids?
A
Phospholipids
B
Waxes
C
Steroids
D
Triglycerides
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of triglycerides: Triglycerides are esters derived from glycerol and three fatty acids. They are the main constituents of body fat in humans and other animals, as well as vegetable fat.
Identify the components: Glycerol is a three-carbon alcohol with three hydroxyl (OH) groups, and fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxylic acid group at one end.
Recognize the esterification process: In triglycerides, each hydroxyl group of glycerol forms an ester bond with the carboxyl group of a fatty acid, resulting in the release of water (a dehydration synthesis reaction).
Compare with other structures: Phospholipids also contain glycerol and fatty acids but have a phosphate group replacing one of the fatty acids. Waxes are esters of long-chain fatty acids with long-chain alcohols, and steroids have a structure based on a four-ring carbon skeleton.
Conclude why triglycerides are the correct answer: Triglycerides specifically consist of glycerol bonded to three fatty acids, fitting the description given in the problem.