Question

Lecithin is structurally like fat but contain

• A. Amino acid
• B. Hydrochloric acid
• C. Phosphoric acid
• D. Sugar

Hint:

Lecithin is a \textbf{phospho}lipid. The name itself tells you it contains a \textbf{phosphorus} group, which comes from phosphoric acid.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Describe the structure of a typical fat (a triglyceride). A fat molecule consists of a glycerol backbone attached to three fatty acid chains.

Step 2: Describe the structure of Lecithin. Lecithin is a type of phospholipid, specifically phosphatidylcholine. Its structure consists of a glycerol backbone, but it is attached to only two fatty acid chains. The third position on the glycerol is occupied by a phosphate group (derived from phosphoric acid), which is in turn attached to a choline molecule.

Step 3: Identify the key difference. The presence of the phosphate group is the defining structural feature that distinguishes a phospholipid like lecithin from a triglyceride (fat).