Question

question 14 (1 point)
identify the characteristic(s) that distinguish waxes from triacylglycerols.
waxes consist of esters of long - chain alcohols with long chain fatty acids,
whereas triacylglycerols contain glycerol esterified with three long - chain fatty
acids.
waxes are hydrophobic in nature, whereas triacylglycerols are hydrophilic.
both
neither

Explanation:

• Waxes: The structure of waxes is an ester formed between a long - chain alcohol (e.g., \(C_{16}-C_{30}\) alcohols) and a long - chain fatty acid (\(C_{14}-C_{30}\) fatty acids). For example, beeswax has the formula \(CH_{3}(CH_{2})_{14}COO(CH_{2})_{29}CH_{3}\).
• Triacylglycerols: They are composed of glycerol (\(HOCH_{2}CH(OH)CH_{2}OH\)) where each of the three hydroxyl groups is esterified with a long - chain fatty acid. For instance, if the fatty acids are stearic acid (\(CH_{3}(CH_{2})_{16}COOH\)), the triacylglycerol would have the general structure \(CH_{3}(CH_{2})_{16}COOCH_{2}CH(OCO(CH_{2})_{16}CH_{3})CH_{2}OCO(CH_{2})_{16}CH_{3}\).
• Regarding the hydrophobicity claim: Both waxes and triacylglycerols are hydrophobic. Waxes have a more compact and highly non - polar structure due to the long - chain alcohol and fatty acid combination. Triacylglycerols also have large non - polar hydrocarbon chains from the fatty acids, making them insoluble in water (hydrophobic). So the statement about triacylglycerols being hydrophilic is incorrect.

Answer:

Waxes consist of esters of long - chain alcohols with long chain fatty acids, whereas triacylglycerols contain glycerol esterified with three long - chain fatty acids.