MCAT Biochemistry Question 71: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 71

11. Which of the following is true about glycerophospholipids?

  • A. Glycerophospholipids can sometimes be sphingolipids, depending on the bonds in their head groups.
  • B. Glycerophospholipids are merely a subset of phospholipids.
  • C. Glycerophospholipids are used in the ABO blood typing system.
  • D. Glycerophospholipids have one glycerol, one polar head group, and one fatty acid tail.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Glycerophospholipids are a subset of phospholipids, as are sphingomyelins. Glycerophospholipids are never sphingolipids because they contain a glycerol backbone (rather than sphingosine or a sphingoid backbone), eliminating choice (A). Sphingolipids are used in the ABO blood typing system, eliminating choice (C). Glycerophospholipids have a polar head group, glycerol, and two fatty acid tails, not one, as in choice (D).

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