Soluble Compounds That Reduce Surface Tension Thus Dissolving Lipids Are

Question

Soluble compounds that reduce surface tension thus dissolving lipids are known as:
A)alkylating agents
B)halogens
C)oxidizing agents
D)surfactants

Accepted Answer

Surfactants are compounds that can lower the surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. They achieve this by having both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-fearing) parts in their molecular structure. This enables them to interact with both water and lipid molecules, thus disrupting the lipid membrane and dissolving lipids. Alkylating agents, halogens, and oxidizing agents do not have this property and are not specifically known for reducing surface tension or dissolving lipids.