Question

Which describes the basic structure of a fatty acid?

a-a long carbon and hydrogen chain and a phosphate group
b-a long carbon and hydrogen chain and a glycerol
c-a long carbon and hydrogen chain and a carboxyl group
d-a long carbon and hydrogen chain and an alcohol

Answer 1

The basic structure of a fatty acid is a long carbon and hydrogen chain with a carboxyl group at the end.

Step-by-step explanation:

The basic structure of a fatty acid can be described as a long carbon and hydrogen chain with a terminal carboxyl group. This structure can be denoted with the letter 'c' in the provided options. Fatty acids are key components of larger molecules like triglycerides and phospholipids, which form the basis of many biological structures and functions. Unlike triglycerides, which consist of a glycerol backbone attached to three fatty acids, a singular fatty acid only includes the hydrocarbon chain and a carboxyl group at one end.

Answer 2

C

Step-by-step explanation:

Generally, a fatty acid consists of a straight chain of an even number of carbon atoms, with hydrogen atoms along the length of the chain and at one end of the chain and a carboxyl group (―COOH) at the other end. It is that carboxyl group that makes it an acid (carboxylic acid).