Table of contents

32. Lipids

Triacylglycerols

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Multiple Choice

Which molecule contains three fatty acids bound to a glycerol backbone?

Sphingolipid

Triacylglycerol

Phospholipid

Cholesterol

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the structure of a glycerol backbone, which is a three-carbon molecule with hydroxyl groups attached to each carbon.

Understand that a triacylglycerol is formed when three fatty acid molecules are esterified to the hydroxyl groups of the glycerol backbone.

Recognize that a sphingolipid typically contains a sphingosine backbone, not glycerol, and usually has one fatty acid attached.

Note that a phospholipid consists of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group, not three fatty acids.

Cholesterol is a sterol and does not have a glycerol backbone or fatty acids attached, distinguishing it from triacylglycerols.

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