Question

Steroids differ structurally from triglycerides and phospholipids, although they are all classified as lipids. What characteristics cause steroids to be classified as lipids? Choose ALL that apply.

Answer 1

Answer:

Lipids are hydrocarbon molecules that make up the structure of living beings. Few examples are fats, oils and waxes. Steroids are also a class of lipids but they are not structurally related to other lipids but do share some common properties with them. They are insoluble in water and are hydrophobic( water-repelling).

Explanation:

Lipids are insoluble in water as they are non-polar but soluble in non polar solvents (chloroform). Fat soluble vitamins like A,D,E,K and steroids have a different structure composed of fused four rings.

The most common example of steroid is cholesterol. Cholesterol acts as a precursor for many hormones and other signalling molecules.

Answer 2

Answer:

I. hydrophobic

II. hydrocarbon chain

III. fatty acids and glycerol

IV. ring structure

V. insoluble in water

VI. polar

B) I and V

Explanation: Steroids are classified as lipids because: I and V

Steroids are lipids because they are hydrophobic and insoluble in water, but they do not resemble lipids since they have a structure composed of four fused rings.