1.3 lipids Flashcards
What are the 2 groups of lipids?
triglycerides and phospholipids
How are triglycerides formed?
- via a condensation reaction of one molecule of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acids
- ester bonds are formed
What are the two types of fatty acids?
saturated fatty acids:
- hydrocarbon chains have only single bonds between carbons
- solid at room temperature and found in animal fats
unsaturated fatty acids:
- hydrocarbon chains consist of atleast one double bond between carbons
- this results in a kink in the chain
- they are liquid at room temperature and found in plant oils
What is the structure of a fatty acid?
- a chain of carbons with hydrogen attached to each side and a carboxyl group on the end
Describe the function and structure of phospholipids
- glycerol backbone attached to 2 hydrophobic fatty acid tails and 1 hydrophillic phosphate head
- forms a phospholipid bilaterally in water
How are triglycerides energy stores?
- due to large ratio of energy storing carbon hydrogen bonds compared to the number of carbon atoms alot of energy is stored in the molecule
Triglycerides as metabolic water sources
- due to high ratio of oxygen to hydrogen atoms they act as a metabolic water source
- triglycerides can release water if they are oxidised which is essential for desert animals
Triglycerides do not effect water potential
- as they are large and hydrophobic making them insoluble in water
Lipids have a relatively low mass
- therefore alot can be stored without increasing the mass and preventing movement
What are phospholipids made up of?
- a glycerol molecule, two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group attached to the glycerol
Describe the hydrophillic head
- it is made up of a phosphate group
- it can attract water since it is chargfed but repels other fats
