Biochem: lipids and membranes

Question 1

Most important functions

Answer 1

1.Components of membranes*

2. Storage form of carbon and energy*

Question 2

Fatty acids (FAs)

Answer 2

FAs are amphipathic long chain aliphatic carboxylic acids.
* The long chain saturated FA are the least soluble in water.
* Released from fat upon hydrolysis.
* Not often found in cells in free form but instead are combined in complex lipids.

Question 3

Fatty acids: monocarboxylic acids

Answer 3

linear (unbranched) hydrocarbon chains. Most have an even number of C atoms, C12 to C24. Shorter, longer, odd-numbered, branched, or cyclic fatty acids all occur, but at a much lower frequency.