An unknown sample known to contain either triglycerides or phospholipids is placed in water.The sample forms a separate layer on top of the water, with no mixing in the bulk volume of water.What type of lipid does the sample contain, and what structural element is responsible for the sample's behavior in water?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Triglycerides, which are composed of three fatty acids linked to a glycerol molecule, are nonpolar molecules due to their long-chain hydrocarbon tails. This nonpolarity makes them hydrophobic, causing them to not mix with water and instead form a separate layer on top of it.

An Unknown Sample Known to Contain Either Triglycerides or Phospholipids