Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Middle Grades Science (OAE 029) Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

What type of molecules are lipids, based on their solubility?

Soluble in water

Soluble in polar solvents

Soluble in non-polar solvents

Lipids are a group of organic compounds that are characterized by their hydrophobic nature, meaning they do not mix well with water. This property stems from their molecular structure, which typically includes long hydrocarbon chains or rings, making them non-polar in nature.

Since lipids are non-polar, they are soluble in non-polar solvents, such as ether, chloroform, or benzene, where the interaction between the solvent and the lipid can occur due to similar molecular characteristics. This solubility contrasts sharply with their behavior in water, a polar solvent, where the lack of interaction leads to lipids being insoluble.

Understanding the solubility of lipids is fundamental in biological sciences, as it relates to their functions in cell membranes, energy storage, and signaling molecules. This knowledge also aids in comprehending biochemical processes and the interactions of various biological molecules.

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Insoluble in all solvents

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