Jump to content

Why are gasoline and similar hydrocarbons poisonous but animal/vegetable fats are not?

ewmon
in Biology

Featured Replies

I'm okay in biochemistry but not great, so I need someone more knowledgeable to help here.

 

Both gasoline/hydrocarbons and animal/vegetable fats contain mostly long strings of hydrocarbons, although fats also contain a glycerol or other molecule. Cells even have walls composed of a lipid bilayer.

 

So, as the title states, what is it about gasoline/hydrocarbons that make them poisonous while animal/vegetable fats are not?

 

First glance shows that they differ due to a glycerol or other non-hydrocarbon molecule, yet if that's the reason, how does the presence of this type of molecule cause fats to be non-poisonous?

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.