MCAT Biochemistry Question 62: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 62
2. During saponification:
- A. triacylglycerols undergo a condensation reaction.
- B. triacylglycerols undergo ester hydrolysis.
- C. fatty acid salts are produced using a strong acid.
- D. fatty acid salts are bound to albumin.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Saponification is the ester hydrolysis of triacylglycerol using a strong base like sodium or potassium hydroxide to form glycerol and fatty acid salts. This is not a condensation reaction, as in choice (A), but a cleavage reaction. Fatty acids do travel in the body bound to serum albumin, as in choice (D), but that is unrelated to the process of saponification.