Biochemistry : Other Lipid Classifications

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Biochemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Lipid Structures And Functions

Which of these lipid molecules has a different fundamental structure than the others? 

Possible Answers:

Triglyceride

Glycolipids

Fatty acids

Cholesterol

Sphingolipids

Correct answer:

Cholesterol

Explanation:

Cholesterol is made up of multiple rings, including three six-carbon rings and one five-carbon ring. This characteristic structure is also seen in steroid hormones and metabolites, as many biologically relevant molecules are derived from cholesterol. Fatty acids are long hydrocarbons (typically between ten and thirty carbons long) with carboxylic acid functional groups on one end. Glycolipids are lipids that have carbohydrate moieties attached, which play a role in cellular and molecular communication. Sphingolipids are a class of lipids that contain a sphingoid base backbone and include sphingosine, sphingomyelin, ceramides, gangliosides and others.

Example Question #2 : Other Lipid Classifications

Glycolipids are characterized by which non-lipid component?

Possible Answers:

Sphingosine

Polypeptide

Phosphate

Sugar

Correct answer:

Sugar

Explanation:

The prefix "glyco-" means "sugar." Glycolipids are thus lipids that have a sugar component. Glycolipids containing sphingoid bases are called sphingolipids. Glycolipids containing phosphate are called phospholipids. Lipoproteins are molecules that contain both lipid and peptide components.

Example Question #32 : Lipid Structures And Functions

Lipids built from the five-carbon unit isoprene are called __________.

Possible Answers:

glycerophospholipids

lipoproteins

sphingomyelins

terpenoids

sphingolipids

Correct answer:

terpenoids

Explanation:

Terpenoids (also called isoprenoids) are produced mostly by plants. Many vitamins such as A, E, and K are terpenoids, and steroids/sterols also belong to this group.

Example Question #32 : Lipid Structures And Functions

There are many different lipoproteins used by the body to transport lipids and cholesterol. Which of the following is a true statement about lipoproteins?

Possible Answers:

LDL is a dense lipoprotein that carries dietary fats around the body.

HDL is a dense lipoprotein that carries cholesterol from the body to the liver. 

Chylomicrons are very dense lipoproteins that carry dietary fats. 

HDL carries lipids that are synthesized in the liver. 

VLDL is the largest of the lipoproteins. 

Correct answer:

HDL is a dense lipoprotein that carries cholesterol from the body to the liver. 

Explanation:

Only "HDL is a dense lipoprotein that carries cholesterol from the body to the liver" is a true statement. Chylomicrons are the largest and least dense lipoprotein, and they carry dietary lipids. VLDL carries lipids synthesized in the liver to the body. they are more dense the chylomicrons. LDL carries cholesterol around the body, and HDL is the most dense and carries cholesterol to the liver for breakdown. 

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