Lipids are defined by their solubility, being insoluble in water and soluble
in which type of solvent? Nonpolar organic solvents
A phospholipid molecule contains which two components? A hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails
A saturated fatty acid tail is characterized by having: No double bonds and less fluidity
Which class of phospholipids specifically contains a glycerol backbone? Glycerophospholipids
What is the defining structural component of a sphingolipid? A sphingosine backbone
The core structure of all steroids contains a total of how many fused
rings? Four (three cyclohexane, one cyclopentane)
Which lipid structure is described as a molecule composed of a
glycosphingolipid with one or more sialic acids linked to its sugar
chain? Ganglioside
Which lipid compound serves as the storage form of fatty acids in cells? Triacylglycerols (Triglycerides)
The primary cell type used for the storage of triacylglycerol deposits is
the: Adipocyte
What is the precursor molecule for all steroid hormones? Cholesterol
What is the term for the unesterified fatty acids that travel through the
bloodstream? Free fatty acids
Prostaglandins act as lipid compounds that are signaling molecules and
specifically regulate the cellular concentration of which molecule? cAMP
Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the four fat-soluble
vitamins? Vitamin C
The process of saponification is the ester hydrolysis of triacylglycerols
using what kind of chemical agent? A strong base (like NaOH or KOH)
What structure is formed spontaneously, allowing a lipid-soluble molecule to
dissolve in its fatty acid core while its carboxylate head groups form a
shell facing the water? Micelle