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__________is an example of a phospholipid.

a. Pectin
b. Cholesterol
c. Lecithin
d. Glycogen

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Lecithin (c) is an example of a phospholipid, specifically known as phosphatidylcholine, which is a major component of cell membranes and contributes to their fluidity. It is also used in food as an emulsifying agent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The example of a phospholipid is c. Lecithin. Phospholipids are a class of lipids that play a key role in the structure of cellular membranes. They consist of a glycerol molecule, two fatty acid tails, and a phosphate group that is attached to a choline molecule, making it specifically a phosphatidylcholine. This structure creates a hydrophilic (water-attracting) "head" and hydrophobic (water-repelling) "tails", which allows phospholipids to form the bilayer found in cell membranes, contributing to the fluidity of membranes and the protection and organization of cells.

Phosphatidylcholine, also known as lecithin, is found in many living organisms. It is an important constituent of nerve and brain tissue and is also used in foods as an emulsifying agent. Emulsifying agents help stabilize emulsions, which are mixtures of two liquids that usually do not mix, like oil and water.

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