Biolofy 2.2.6: Lipids 1: Triglycerides

Question 1

what does monounsaturated + polyunsaturated mean?

Answer 1

• if there is only one C=C double bond in the fatty acid molecule, it is monounsaturated
• if there is multiple C=C double bonds, the molecule is polyunsaturated

Question 2

what does saturated mean?

Answer 2

there are no C=C double bonds in the fatty acid molecules

Question 3

what is the structure of triglycerides?

Answer 3

made up of a glycerol and fatty acids

Question 4

what is the structure of glycerol?

Answer 4

it has 3 carbon atoms and 3 -OH groups important to triglycerides

Question 5

what is the structure of fatty acids?

Answer 5

have a carboxyl group on one end
(-COOH) attached to a hydrocarbon tail

Question 6

what reaction occurs between the fatty acid and glycerol to form a triglyceride and what bond is formed?

Answer 6

a condensation reaction occurs between the COOH group and the OH group.
the bond formed is an ester bond.

Question 7

what are the functions of triglycerides?

Answer 7

energy source - can be broken down during respiration to produce ATP
energy store - insoluble in water so can store energy without affecting water
buoyancy - fat is less dense than water
protection - fat around organs can protect them
+ insulation