GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology : Help with Lipids

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

All GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Resources

1 Diagnostic Test 201 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Macromolecules And Monomers

Which type of lipid acts as a buffer for membrane fluidity?

Possible Answers:

Sterols

Glycolipids

Phospholipids

Terpenes

Correct answer:

Sterols

Explanation:

Membrane fluidity can be buffered by cholesterol in both warm and cold environments. At high temperatures cholesterol raises the melting point, while at lower temperatures cholesterol prevents the formation of crystalline structures between phospholipids.

Example Question #1 : Help With Lipids

Phospholipids are comprised of __________.

Possible Answers:

a glycerol head containing a phosphate group and three fatty acids

a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base

a glycerol head containing a phosphate group and two fatty acids

a chain of saturated fats

a glycerol head and two sphingolipids

Correct answer:

a glycerol head containing a phosphate group and two fatty acids

Explanation:

The correct answer is a glycerol head containing a phosphate group and two fatty acids. Phospho refers to the phosphate group and lipid refers to the glycerol backbone attached to two fatty acid chains.

Example Question #2 : Help With Lipids

What qualifies a molecule to be considered an omega-3 fatty acid?

Possible Answers:

The presence of a double bond on the third-to-last carbon in the fatty acid

The presence of a double bond on the third carbon in the fatty acid

The attachment of three of the same fatty acid to a glycerol

The presence of three double bonds in the fatty acid

Correct answer:

The presence of a double bond on the third-to-last carbon in the fatty acid

Explanation:

Omega-3 fatty acids are named after the double bond that starts on the third-to-last carbon in the fatty acid. The carboxylic acid carbon is considered the first carbon, while the last methyl group carbon is considered the "omega" carbon. As a result, the double bond will be three carbons away from the end.

All GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Resources

1 Diagnostic Test 201 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors