3.4: Lipids are a diverse group of a hydrophobic molecule Flashcards
Lipids include fats, waxes, oils, phospholipids, and steroids. What characteristics do all lipids share?
They are all hydrophobic due to the nonpolar hydrocarbons
What are the building blocks of fats?
fatty acids
If fat is composed of three fatty acids and one glycerol molecule, how many water molecules will be removed to form it? Again, what is this process called?
3 water molecules, dehydration synthesis
Name two saturated fats
lard and butter
what makes a fat unsaturated
the double bonds which result in a kink that makes it unsaturated
Name two unsaturated fats.
avocados and nuts
Why are many unsaturated fats liquid at room temperature?
This is because of the kink/bend which makes them more space out
what are the four functions of fats
acts as a cushion for organs insulates, reserves of energy, and cell membrane
Why are the tails hydrophobic
this is because the fatty acids are simply nonpolar and their hydrocarbons
Why are the tails all located in the interior?
Since the tails are hydrophobic, they stay away from the water and are isolated by the hydrophilic heads
What are examples of steroids?
Cholesterol which is a precursor of sex hormones for men and female
fats
made of glycerol molecule joined to three fatty acids via dehydration synthesis between a carboxyl and hydroxyl
fatty acids
made of a long carbon skeleton, 16 - 18 carbons, and have many hydrocarbon bonds
phospholipid
similar to a fat molecule but only consists of two fatty acids
Steroids
lipids made of a carbon skeleton of four fused rings
