Biochem: Lipids Flashcards
what are lipids composed of
C,H,O
what are most of the bonds in a lipid
c-c/c-h bonds, “oxygen-poor”
uses of lipids
- barriers
- cushioning
- energy storage
- cell membranes
- hormones
saturated fatty acids
- max # of hydrogens
- all c-c bonds
- long straight chains
- mostly animal fats
why do saturated F.As tend to be solid at room temp
the long straight chains allow the molecule to be packed very closely
why are saturated F.A bad for our bodies?
containing a lot of energy so it creates a lot of plaque
why do saturated F.As taste good?
all Cs are saturated with H (contain a lot of energy)
Explain the relation between camels and triglycerides
camels store f.a’s & glycerol molecules
- tricglyceride formed within hump so less spaced is occupied
- where water comes from (dehydration synthesis)
unsaturated fatty acids
- less than max # of hydrogens
- at least one c=c bonds
- most fish/plant oils
why are unsaturated F.As liquid at room temp (usually)?
- bent or kinked chains prevents tight packaging
Difference between cis- and trans- fatty acids
cis = H on same side
trans = H on opp side
diff between triglyceride and phospholipids
triglyceride = 3 fatty acid chains + glycerol
phospholipids = glycerol + 2 F.A + -PO4
Steroids
- cholesterol
- 4 fused carbon ring
- important component in all membranes
- basis for many hormones
- formed by adding different functional groups on cholesterol
why dont lipids form “true” polymers
no repeating units
the dominant type of fat found in animals is triglyceride. why do think that is preferred over storing single fatty acid chains
less bonds in single fatty acid chains = less energy stores
