BIOCHEM Chp.5 Lipids Flashcards
What are the diff b/w saturated and unsaturated FA?
Saturated - only have single bonds, have greater van der Waals forces, and therefore more structural and stable, solid at room temp
unsaturated - 1 or more double bonds which introduce kinks in the chain, and make it difficult to solidify, liquid at room temp
What are steroids?
metabolic derivatives of terpenes made up of 4 cycloalkane rings (3 cyclohexane and 1 cyclopentane)
What is the role of steroids?
they regulate gene expression and metabolism
What are some important steroid hormones?
testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, aldosterone
What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?
it regulates membrane fluidity - at low temps, it keeps the membrane from solidifying, and at high temps, it hold the membrane intact and prevents it from becoming too permeable
What are the fat-soluble vitamins?
Vit. A, D, E, and K
What attached the hydrophilic head group of the phospholipid membrane?
phosphodiester linkages which determines the function of the phospholipid
What is the backbone of glycerophospholipids?
glycerols
What lipid is the major component of the myelin sheath?
sphingomyelins - made up of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine head groups
What are waxes?
long-chain FA esterified to long-chain alcohols
What is isoprene?
a 5-carbon molecule
What are the roles of prostaglandins?
smooth muscle contractions, regulation of body temp, sleep and wake cycle, fever, and pain
How many units make up a monoterpene?
2 isoprenes
What are prostaglandins?
autocrine and paracrine signaling molecules that regulate cAMP levels
What is the role of Vit. A/carotene?
metabolized to retinal for vision and retinoid acid for gene expression in epithelial development
