BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES - Lipids

Question 1

Triglycerides vs phospholipids

Answer 1

Triglycerides = 3 fatty acids + glycerol
Phospholipids = 2 fatty acids + glycerol + phosphate group

Question 2

Formation of triglycerides

Answer 2

Condensation reaction between glycerol and 3 fatty acids
Form ester bond

Question 3

Saturated vs unsaturated fatty acids

Answer 3

Saturated = only single bonds between carbon atoms
Unsaturated = at least one db between carbon atoms

Question 4

Triglyceride properties

Answer 4

1. Energy storage - large ratio of energy storing carbon-hydrogen bonds compared to carbon atoms
2. Metabolic water source - they release water if oxidised
3. Do not affect water potentials/osmosis - large and hydrophobic, insoluble in water