Which term is a waxy lipid found in animal cells?

Which term is a waxy lipid found in animal cells?

• A. Fatty Acid
• B. Lipid
• C. Cholesterol
• D. Glucose

Answer: (C)

The concept here is identifying a specific waxy lipid that is characteristic of animal cells. Lipids include fats, oils, waxes, and sterols. A fatty acid is a building block of fats, not itself described as a waxy lipid. A lipid, while accurate, is too broad to pinpoint a specific waxy lipid found in animals. Glucose is a carbohydrate, not a lipid. Cholesterol is a sterol, a type of lipid that is abundant in animal cell membranes and has a waxy, nonpolar nature that helps stabilize membrane structure. It also serves as a precursor for steroid hormones. That combination of being a lipid, having a waxy feel, and being found in animal cells makes cholesterol the best answer.

The concept here is identifying a specific waxy lipid that is characteristic of animal cells. Lipids include fats, oils, waxes, and sterols. A fatty acid is a building block of fats, not itself described as a waxy lipid. A lipid, while accurate, is too broad to pinpoint a specific waxy lipid found in animals. Glucose is a carbohydrate, not a lipid. Cholesterol is a sterol, a type of lipid that is abundant in animal cell membranes and has a waxy, nonpolar nature that helps stabilize membrane structure. It also serves as a precursor for steroid hormones. That combination of being a lipid, having a waxy feel, and being found in animal cells makes cholesterol the best answer.