1.4 Lipids Flashcards
Lipids
A non-polar compound that is made mostly of C and H
HYDROPHOBIC
Do not dissolve in water
Smaller than complex carbs
Lipids perform many complex cellular functions
Forms cell membranes
Energy source
Hormones
Waterproofing
Insulation
Cushioning
5 main categories of Lipids
- Fatty Acids
- Fats
- Phospholipids
- Steroids
- Waxes
- Fatty Acids
Structural backbone of
most lipids
A molecule that
consists of a carboxyl group (gives acidic properties) and a hydrocarbon chain
As chain length
increases water
solubility decreases
- Fats
A combination of fatty
acids and glycerol
molecules
Triglyceride
A fat that contains three fatty acids linked to a glycerol molecule
Fatty acids are linked to a glycerol molecule via dehydration synthesis
Saturated Fats
Lipids composed of saturated fatty acids with single bonds in their hydrocarbon chain (linear)
*Solid at room temperature
(e.g., lard),bad for your health
Unsaturated Fats
Lipids composed of unsaturated fatty acids with double bonds in their hydrocarbon chain
Causes a kink in the chain
Liquid at room temperature
(e.g, oils) healthier fat
Triglycerides yield 2X as
much energy as carbs, therefore they are…
Fats are an excellent source of energy
- Phospholipids
A lipid containing two hydrophobic fatty acid tails and a hydrophilic phosphate group (polar) bound to a glycerol head
Forms a double layered membrane around cells/organelles called a Phospholipid Bilayer
Molecules containing both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions are called..
Amphipathic molecules
- Steroids
A lipid that is composed of 4
carbon rings
Small differences in the side
groups distinguish one steroid from another
Ex. (testosterone, estrogen and
progesterone)
Waxes form…
Flexible, waterproof coatings on
plant/animal parts,
therefore hydrophobic
Ex. Cutin produced by
plants, bees produce
beeswax to make their
honeycomb
- Waxes
A lipid that is formed when long fatty acid chains are joined to
alcohols or carbon rings
