Question

The monomer of this biomolecule is a fatty acid and glycerol. There are two types: saturated, which is solid at room temperature and unhealthy. (ex: lard) Unsaturated which is liquid at room temperature and healthy. (ex: olive oil) These molecules are packed with very high energy storage. The biomolecule described is a ....?

A) Protein
B) Carbohydrate
C) Nucleic Acid
D) Lipid"

Answer 1

Lipids are the class of biomolecules described, composed of fatty acids and glycerol, with saturated and unsaturated types determining their state at room temperature and health implications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The biomolecule described by the student is lipid. Lipids include a variety of substances, such as fats and oils, and are comprised of fatty acids and glycerol. The types of fatty acids, saturated and unsaturated, determine whether the lipid is solid or liquid at room temperature. Saturated fats, like lard, are packed with hydrogen atoms, making their fatty acid chains straight and able to pack tightly together; hence, they are solid at room temperature. Unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, contain one or more double bonds in their fatty acid chains, causing kinks that prevent tight packing, making them liquid at room temperature. Lipids are dense energy stores, essential for biological processes, cell membrane structure, insulation for organs, and transportation of fat-soluble vitamins.