OCR AS Biology: Comprehensive Lipids Quiz

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| Questions: 19 | Updated: Aug 4, 2025

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1. What are lipids?

Mineral compounds essential for bone health and muscle function.

A diverse group of chemicals that include fatty acids, triglycerides and cholesterol.

Proteins necessary for building and repairing tissues.

A group of carbohydrates that provide quick energy for the body.

Lipids are a distinct group of molecules that include fatty acids, triglycerides, and cholesterol, not carbohydrates, minerals, or proteins.

Explanation

Lipids are a distinct group of molecules that include fatty acids, triglycerides, and cholesterol, not carbohydrates, minerals, or proteins.

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About This Quiz

Enhance your understanding of lipids with this focused study aid designed for OCR AS Biology students. Explore key terms and concepts in lipid biology, perfect for revision and practice.

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2. What is a fatty acid?

A hydrocarbon chain with an acid group at one end.

A type of sugar molecule.

A complex carbohydrate structure.

An element found in the periodic table.

Fatty acids are specifically defined as hydrocarbon chains with an acid group at one end, not to be confused with sugar molecules, elements, or complex carbohydrates.

Explanation

Fatty acids are specifically defined as hydrocarbon chains with an acid group at one end, not to be confused with sugar molecules, elements, or complex carbohydrates.

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3. What are the two types of fatty acid?

Hydrogenated and Partially Hydrogenated

Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated

Saturated and Unsaturated.

Trans and Omega

Fatty acids are classified into two main categories based on their chemical structure and properties: saturated and unsaturated. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated are subcategories of unsaturated fatty acids. Trans and omega are specific types of unsaturated fatty acids. Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated refer to processes involving adding hydrogen to fatty acids.

Explanation

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4. What is the difference between saturated fats and unsaturated fats?

Saturated fats are where all possible bonds are made up with hydrogen molecules. Unsaturated fats are where C=C bonds exist... Saturated fats are where all possible bonds are made up with hydrogen molecules. Unsaturated fats are where C=C bonds exist in the fatty acid.

Saturated fats are healthier than unsaturated fats.

Saturated fats are liquid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are solid.

Unsaturated fats are man-made, while saturated fats occur naturally.

Saturated fats are not necessarily healthier than unsaturated fats, the state at room temperature varies based on the type of fats, and both saturated and unsaturated fats can occur naturally.

Explanation

Saturated fats are not necessarily healthier than unsaturated fats, the state at room temperature varies based on the type of fats, and both saturated and unsaturated fats can occur naturally.

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5. What is a triglyceride?

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

A type of carbohydrate found in fruits and vegetables.

A form of water-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting.

A molecule consisting of one glycerole molecule bonded to three fatty acid molecules.

Triglycerides are lipids composed of a glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acid molecules. They are a type of fat found in the blood that the body uses as a source of energy.

Explanation

Triglycerides are lipids composed of a glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acid molecules. They are a type of fat found in the blood that the body uses as a source of energy.

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6. Why aren't lipids polymers?

Because lipids are exclusively found in plants, not in animals.

Because lipids do not play a role in energy storage.

Because they are formed from 3 fatty acid and one glycerol. Not from repeated monomers.

Because lipids do not contain carbon atoms.

Lipids are not considered polymers because they have a different molecular structure than traditional polymers, which are formed from repeated monomer units.

Explanation

Lipids are not considered polymers because they have a different molecular structure than traditional polymers, which are formed from repeated monomer units.

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7. What is the name for a covalent bond formed in a triglyceride?

Ester bond.

Ionic bond

Peptide bond

Hydrogen bond

In a triglyceride, the ester bond is the covalent bond between a fatty acid and a glycerol molecule and is formed through a dehydration synthesis reaction.

Explanation

In a triglyceride, the ester bond is the covalent bond between a fatty acid and a glycerol molecule and is formed through a dehydration synthesis reaction.

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8. How are lipids respired?

C) By undergoing photosynthesis to release energy.

A) Through fermentation in the presence of oxygen.

Hydrolysis of the ester bonds. Glycerol and fatty acids can then be broken down to carbon dioxide and water.

D) By breaking down into glucose molecules through a series of enzymatic reactions.

B) By converting directly into proteins for energy production.

Lipids are respired through the hydrolysis of ester bonds, where glycerol and fatty acids are broken down into carbon dioxide and water as the main end products of lipid metabolism.

Explanation

Lipids are respired through the hydrolysis of ester bonds, where glycerol and fatty acids are broken down into carbon dioxide and water as the main end products of lipid metabolism.

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9. What is Cholesterol and what are its functions/features?

Cholesterol is a form of carbohydrate that provides quick energy to the body.

Cholesterol is a type of protein necessary for muscle growth and repair.

A class of lipid made up of 4 carbon based rings.Found in all biological membranes.Small narrow structure that allows it... A class of lipid made up of 4 carbon based rings.Found in all biological membranes.Small narrow structure that allows it to sit between phospholipid tails to help regulate fluidity and strength of the membrane. Forms hormones.

Cholesterol is a type of mineral that aids in bone density and strength.

Cholesterol is a lipid, not a type of protein, carbohydrate, or mineral. Its functions include being a component of biological membranes and serving as a precursor for hormone synthesis.

Explanation

Cholesterol is a lipid, not a type of protein, carbohydrate, or mineral. Its functions include being a component of biological membranes and serving as a precursor for hormone synthesis.

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10. What is the process of this test?

-Heat the sample to a high temperature. -Add a strong acid to the sample. -Shake the sample vigorously for 5... -Heat the sample to a high temperature. -Add a strong acid to the sample. -Shake the sample vigorously for 5 minutes.

-Mix sample with ethanol to dissolve any lipid present. -Pour liquid onto water-If lipid is present a cloudy white emulsion... -Mix sample with ethanol to dissolve any lipid present. -Pour liquid onto water-If lipid is present a cloudy white emulsion will form near the top of the water.

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11. What is the chemical structure of glycerol?

Glycerol, also known as glycerin, is a simple polyol compound. Its chemical structure is commonly represented as HOCH2CH(OH)CH2OH, where 'g' is the correct shorthand representation.

Explanation

Glycerol, also known as glycerin, is a simple polyol compound. Its chemical structure is commonly represented as HOCH2CH(OH)CH2OH, where 'g' is the correct shorthand representation.

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12. What is a characteristic of unsaturated fats, why and are these more common in plants or animals?

Unsaturated fats have a higher melting point than saturated fats due to their structure.

C=C bonds change the shape of the molecule causing molecules to push apart and hterefore become more fluid. These are... C=C bonds change the shape of the molecule causing molecules to push apart and hterefore become more fluid. These are more common in Plants.

Unsaturated fats are more rigid than saturated fats due to the presence of double bonds.

Unsaturated fats are exclusively found in animal products due to their dietary nature.

Unsaturated fats have C=C bonds that create kinks in the fatty acid chain, making them more fluid. This characteristic is more common in plants than animals as plant-based fats often contain higher proportions of unsaturated fats.

Explanation

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13. What is the name of one glycerol molecule bonded to one fatty acid?

Triglyceride

Monoglyceride.

Tetraglyceride

Diglyceride

A monoglyceride is formed when one glycerol molecule is bonded to one fatty acid. A triglyceride, diglyceride, and tetraglyceride involve multiple fatty acids bonded to a glycerol molecule.

Explanation

A monoglyceride is formed when one glycerol molecule is bonded to one fatty acid. A triglyceride, diglyceride, and tetraglyceride involve multiple fatty acids bonded to a glycerol molecule.

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14. Why are triglycerides suitable for their function in living organisms?

They are a source of vitamins and minerals for the cells.

They are only found in specialized cells and do not play a significant role in overall energy metabolism.

They are easily excreted from the body, helping maintain homeostasis.

They contain twice as much energy as carbohydrates, they do not effect the water potential of the cell because they... They contain twice as much energy as carbohydrates, they do not effect the water potential of the cell because they are insoluble in water and can be stored in large quantities making them ideal long-term energy storage molecules.

Triglycerides are ideal for energy storage due to their high energy content, insolubility in water, and ability to be stored in large quantities.

Explanation

Triglycerides are ideal for energy storage due to their high energy content, insolubility in water, and ability to be stored in large quantities.

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15. Are triglycerides hydrophilic or hydrophobic?

Hydrophobic.

Amphiphilic

Hydrophilic

Oleophilic

Triglycerides are composed of hydrophobic fatty acid chains, making them insoluble in water and therefore hydrophobic in nature.

Explanation

Triglycerides are composed of hydrophobic fatty acid chains, making them insoluble in water and therefore hydrophobic in nature.

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16. What components make up a phospholipid?

Two glycerol molecules and a phosphate group

One glycerol molecule and 3 fatty acids

One fatty acid and a phosphate group

One glycerol molecule, 2 fatty acids and a phosphate group.

Phospholipids are composed of one glycerol molecule, 2 fatty acids, and a phosphate group. The incorrect answers provided do not accurately represent the components of a phospholipid.

Explanation

Phospholipids are composed of one glycerol molecule, 2 fatty acids, and a phosphate group. The incorrect answers provided do not accurately represent the components of a phospholipid.

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17. How can the fluidity of membranes be changed?

By altering the concentration of cholesterol in the membrane.

By increasing the number of integral proteins in the membrane.

By changing the size of the phospholipid molecules.

By have more/less saturated/unsaturated fatty acid tails in the phospholipid.

Fluidity of membranes can be changed by modifying the composition of fatty acid tails in phospholipids, as they directly affect the packing and movement of molecules within the membrane.

Explanation

Fluidity of membranes can be changed by modifying the composition of fatty acid tails in phospholipids, as they directly affect the packing and movement of molecules within the membrane.

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18. What health condition can excess cholesterol in the blood cause?

Type 2 diabetes

High blood pressure

Osteoporosis

Atherosclerosis.

Excess cholesterol in the blood can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, causing atherosclerosis which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Explanation

Excess cholesterol in the blood can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, causing atherosclerosis which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

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19. What is the name of the test for lipids?

Biuret test

Benedict's test

Sudan IV test

Ethanol Emulsion test.

The test for lipids is commonly known as the Ethanol Emulsion test. Benedict's test is used for reducing sugars, the Biuret test is used for proteins, and the Sudan IV test is used for fats.

Explanation

The test for lipids is commonly known as the Ethanol Emulsion test. Benedict's test is used for reducing sugars, the Biuret test is used for proteins, and the Sudan IV test is used for fats.

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