HESI A2 Biology 2024 Related

Review HESI A2 Biology 2024 related questions and content

In contrast with triglycerides, phospholipids are lacking one of which of the following components?

  • A. Monosaccharide
  • B. Glycerol
  • C. Phosphates
  • D. Fatty acid
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Phospholipids are structurally similar to triglycerides but lack one of the fatty acid chains that triglycerides possess. Triglycerides consist of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol molecule, while phospholipids have two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group attached to a glycerol backbone. Therefore, phospholipids are lacking the third fatty acid chain found in triglycerides. Choice A (Monosaccharide) is incorrect because neither triglycerides nor phospholipids contain monosaccharides in their structure. Choice C (Phosphates) is incorrect because phospholipids actually contain phosphates, unlike triglycerides. Choice D (Fatty acid) is incorrect as both triglycerides and phospholipids contain fatty acids, but the number of fatty acid chains differs between the two.