Textbook Problem

Pick the correct statement about fats.

a. Fats are polar and highly soluble in water.

b. Fats are a type of lipid, a class of compounds that are generally soluble in nonpolar solvents.

c. Fats only serve a single role in living organisms: energy storage.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The correct statement about fats is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Triglycerides are formed from the combination of glycerol and three fatty acids. Triglycerides have three long hydrocarbon chains. A hydrocarbon chain contains between $7$ to $21$ carbon atoms. They are nonpolar and immiscible with water. A few examples are fats and oils.

Answer to Problem 1SC

Correct answer: Option (b).

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct option:

Fats are triglycerides which have three long hydrocarbon chains. This makes them nonpolar and hence, they are generally soluble in nonpolar solvents. Therefore, option (b) is correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Reasons for the incorrect options:

Option (a) is incorrect because fats are nonpolar due to the presence of hydrocarbon chains and can’t be soluble in water.

Option (c) is incorrect because fats not only serve as an energy storage but also form the structural components of biological membranes.

Hence, options(a) and (c) are incorrect.