Tag: Solubility test

Carbohydrates and lipids are essential macromolecules in biology, and while both are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, their chemical structures and properties differ significantly. This fundamental difference allows for simple tests to identify if you are looking at a carbohydrate or a lipid.

Over 95% of dietary fats are triglycerides, a specific type of lipid. Identifying whether a molecule is a lipid can be done by observing its chemical structure, its solubility in different solvents, and its fundamental building blocks. Understanding these properties is key to distinguishing lipids from other major biomolecules like carbohydrates and proteins.