5.2 Types of Lipid Molecules Flashcards
What are we typically referring to when we use the word ‘fat’?
triglycerides
What are triglycerides?
The major form of lipid in food and in the body. They consist of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule.
What do fatty acids help to determine?
The physical properties and health effects of the triglycerides we consume
What are fatty acids?
Organic molecules made up of a chain of carbons linked to hydrogen atoms with an acid group at one end.
What are phospholipids?
Types of lipids containing phosphorous. The most common are the phosphoglycerides, which are composed of a glycerol backbone with two fatty acids and a phosphate group attached.
What are sterols?
Types of lipids with a structure composed of multiple chemical rings.
Chemical Formula of triglycerides.
3 fatty acids + glycerol = triglyceride + 3 Water [H from glycerol and OH from fatty acid combined)
What determines the physical properties of a fatty acid?
The length of the carbon chain and the type and location of the bonds between the carbon atoms
How can describe a fatty acid structurally?
It is a chain of carbon atoms with an acid group (COOH) on one end and a methyl or omego end (CH3).
Describe saturated fatty acids.
Contain no carbon-carbon double bonds, Red meat, butter, cheese, and whole milk.
Describe unsaturated fatty acids.
Include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Contain more than one carbon-carbon double bond.
Monounsaturated fatty acids.
Contain one carbon-carbon double bond. Canola, olive oil, and peanut oils, as well as nuts and avocados.
Omega-6-fatty acids
The first double bond occurs between the sixth and seventh carbon atoms (from the omega end). Corn oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, and nuts
Omega-3-fatty acids
The first double bond occurs between the third and fourth carbon atoms, the fatty acid is an omega-3 fatty acid. Flaxseed, canola oil, and nuts
How many carbons do most fatty acids found in plants and animals, including humans, contain?
14 and 22 carbons
How long are short-chain fatty acids?
4-7 carbons in length
In what state do short-chain fatty acids remain in colder temperatures?
Liquid (like those in milk)
How long are medium-chain fatty acids?
8-12 carbons
In what state do medium-chain fatty acids remain in colder temperatures?
Solidify in the refrigerator but liquid at room temperature (like cococunt oil)
What is the melting point of coconut oil?
25° C
How long are long-chain fatty acids?
More than 12 carbons
In what state do longer-chain fatty acids remain at room temperatures?
Solid (like beef fat)