Pre-Class Quiz: Structure of Fats

What is the primary chemical structure of fats?

• Proteins composed of amino acids

• Polymers of monosaccharides

• Esters of glycerol and fatty acids

• Chains of nucleotides

Which of the following is a characteristic of saturated fats?

• Contains double bonds in the carbon chain

• Found mainly in plant-based oils

• Solid at room temperature

• Easily broken down in water

What is the general formula for a fatty acid?

• R-COOH

• R-NH2

• R-OH

• R-COOCH3

Which of the following describes alkalis used in saponification?

• Strong acids that neutralize fats

• Weak bases used as emulsifiers

• Strong bases that react with fats to form soap

• Neutral salts that dissolve grease

Which alkali is commonly used in the soap-making process?

• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

• Potassium nitrate (KNO3)

• Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)

• Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl)

What is a triglyceride?

• A protein that acts as an enzyme in fat metabolism

• A carbohydrate used as an energy source

• A molecule made of glycerol and three fatty acids

• A mineral required for alkali formation

What happens when alkalis react with triglycerides in saponification?

• Glycerol and soap are produced.

• Fatty acids are polymerized.

• Water and carbon dioxide are released.

• The alkali is neutralized without forming new products.

Which type of fat is most suitable for producing hard soap?

• Unsaturated fats

• Polyunsaturated fats

• Saturated fats

• Trans fats

Why are fats important in the saponification process?

• They act as catalysts.

• They serve as the base for the reaction.

• They provide the fatty acid needed to form soap.

• They neutralize the alkali used.

What is the primary difference between potassium hydroxide (KOH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in soap-making?

• KOH produces harder soap, while NaOH produces softer soap.

• NaOH produces harder soap, while KOH produces softer soap.

• Both are interchangeable with no difference in results.

• NaOH reacts faster than KOH in saponification.