Lipids are organic molecule that do not dissolve in
The correct answer and explanation is:
Lipids are organic molecules that do not dissolve in water. The correct answer is water.
Explanation:
Lipids are a diverse group of organic compounds that are primarily characterized by their insolubility in water (hydrophobic nature) and solubility in nonpolar solvents such as chloroform, benzene, or ether. This property distinguishes lipids from other biological molecules like proteins and carbohydrates, which are generally soluble in water.
Lipids include fats, oils, phospholipids, steroids, and waxes. They are essential for various biological functions, such as energy storage, cell membrane structure, and signaling. The insolubility of lipids in water is mainly due to their chemical structure. Most lipids contain long hydrocarbon chains or rings, which are nonpolar and hydrophobic. These nonpolar regions do not interact favorably with polar molecules like water, resulting in lipids’ inability to dissolve in aqueous environments.
This hydrophobic property has important implications in biology. For example, cell membranes are composed primarily of phospholipids, which form a bilayer with hydrophobic tails facing inward and hydrophilic heads facing outward. This arrangement creates a semi-permeable membrane that controls the movement of substances in and out of cells, maintaining homeostasis.
In summary, lipids are organic molecules that do not dissolve in water due to their nonpolar, hydrophobic nature. Their solubility in nonpolar solvents and insolubility in water are fundamental to their biological functions and structural roles in living organisms.