BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES - Lipids Flashcards
What type of biological molecule are lipids?
Lipids are a type of macromolecule.
True or False: Lipids are hydrophobic in nature.
True
What are the building blocks of lipids?
Fatty acids and glycerol.
What is the main function of lipids in living organisms?
Energy storage.
What is the primary function of triglycerides?
Energy storage.
What is the structure of a triglyceride?
A glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acids.
What type of bond joins fatty acids to glycerol in a triglyceride?
Ester bond.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids have at least one double bond.
What are the two types of unsaturated fatty acids?
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.
What is the main function of phospholipids?
Forming cell membranes.
What is the structure of a phospholipid?
A glycerol molecule bonded to two fatty acids and a phosphate group.
What is the hydrophilic part of a phospholipid?
The phosphate group.
What is the hydrophobic part of a phospholipid?
The fatty acid tails.
What are the functions of lipids other than energy storage?
Insulation, protection, and cell signaling.
What is the difference between a fat and an oil?
Fats are solid at room temperature, while oils are liquid.
