Which term refers to fats and oils?

• A. Nucleic Acids
• B. Lipids
• C. Carbohydrates
• D. Proteins

Answer: (B)

Fats and oils are lipids, a broad group of biomolecules that are primarily nonpolar and insoluble in water. Lipids include fats, oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids. Fats and oils are triglycerides, formed when glycerol bonds to three fatty acids, and they store a large amount of energy per gram. The difference between a solid fat and a liquid oil comes from the fatty acid saturation: saturated fats tend to be solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are typically liquids. Lipids also contribute to membrane structure and signaling in the body, with phospholipids in membranes and steroids acting as hormones. This sets them apart from nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), carbohydrates (sugars, starches), and proteins (amino acids and enzymes).