2.2 Lipids: Structure and Function

Question 1

Once calories are ingested from a meal, what happens to them?

Answer 1

They are not used immediately by tissues.

-Get converted to triacylglycerols and transported to fat cells where they get stored.

Question 2

What regulates the release of triacylglycerols?

Answer 2

Hormones regulates this release from fat cells so they meet the body’s needs for energy btwn meals.

Question 3

What’s the definition of a lipid?

Answer 3

Water-insoluble components of cells that can be extracted by non-polar solvents.

Question 4

What are some types of lipids?

Answer 4

Fatty acids
Glycolipids
Triacylglcerols
Glycerophospholipids
Sphingolipids
Fat soluble vitamins (DAKE)
Steroids

Question 5

What are some functions of lipids?

Answer 5

Structural components of membrane
Fuel source and storage
support and protection
hormones, 2nd messengers, prostaglandins
vitamins (DAKE)

Question 6

What are fatty acids?

Answer 6

hydrocarbon derivatives-carboxylic acids w/ hydrocarbon chains of 4-36 carbons
-it’s an amphipathic molecule
pKA:4.8
chain length: short(2-5), medium (6-12), long (>12)

Question 7

Fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated. What’s the difference?

Answer 7

saturated: no double bonds. solid at room temp. unbranched. pack very closely. Normally animal fat.
unsaturated: double bonds. liquid at room temp. Bond distance in a double bond is shorter than in a single bond = forms kinks. Therefore, it’s liquid at room temp.

Question 8

List an example of 1 saturated and unsaturated fatty acid.

Answer 8

Saturated: Steric acid
Unsaturated: Olic acid

Question 9

Structural component of a triacylglycerol?

Answer 9

an ester formed from glycerol and three fatty acids.

Question 10

What are adipocyte?

Answer 10

Cells dedicated to storing fat.