Which of the following fatty acids is(are) likely to be found in a triglyceride? A) CH₃(CH₂)₁₅COOH B) CH₃(CH₂)₁₆COOH C) both a and b D) neither a nor b

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fatty acids are long chains of hydrocarbons with a carboxylic acid group on one end. Triglycerides are composed of three fatty acid molecules attached to a glycerol molecule. The fatty acid in choice B (CH₃(CH₂)₁₆COOH) has a 16-carbon chain, which is a common length for fatty acids found in triglycerides. Choice A (CH₃(CH₂)₁₅COOH) has a fatty acid with a 15-carbon chain, which is less common in triglycerides. Therefore, choice B is the better choice for a fatty acid likely to be found in a triglyceride.

Which of the Following Fatty Acids Is(are) Likely to Be