3.1.3 Lipids

Question 1

Compare the structure and function of a triglyceride and a phospholipid.

Answer 1

Triglycerides:

• Condensation of one glycerol and three fatty acids forming and 3 ester bonds.

• Fatty acids have an R group that can be saturated(C-C) or unsaturated (C=C).

• Triglycerides are non-polar.

• Insoluble.

• Can’t form a bilayer.

Phospholipids:

• Condensation reaction forming 2 ester bonds between the glycerol and fatty acids.

• One glycerol and two fatty acids.

• One fatty acid is replaced by a phosphate group.

• The phosphate group is polar.

• The fatty acids are non-polar.

• Insoluble.

• Used in the phospholipid bilayer.