Biological Molecules - Lipids (2.1.2) Flashcards
Name one property of hydrocarbon tails and describe its effect.
Hydrophobic - Insoluble
Draw the structure of a fatty acid.
What property does the phosphate group bring to phospholipids and what is the result?
Hydrophilic.
It causes them to orientate themselves, so the phosphate head can interact with water.
Describe the appearance of cholesterol and the reason why.
Small size and a flattened shape allowing it to fit between phospholipid molecules in the membrane.
Q1) What are triglycerides mainly used for?
Q2) Why are they good for this purpose?
A1) An energy store in animals and plants and some bacteria.
A2) Long hydrocarbon tails of the fatty acids contain lots of chemical energy. Lots of energy is released when they are broken down.
Name property of triglycerides and its effect.
Insoluble.
They do not cause water to enter the cells by osmosis which would make them swell.
Q1) Where can you find phospholipids?
Q2) What do they make up and what is their function?
A1) In the cell membrane of all eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
A2) Phospholipid bilayer. It acts as a barrier for water-soluble substances.
What do Cholesterol molecules help do and how?
Makes the membrane less fluid and more rigid.
Bind to the hydrophobic tails of the phospholipids causing them to pack more closely.
What do you call a molecule with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts?
Amphipathic
Draw the chemical structure of a glycerol molecule and a fatty acid.
Draw the chemical structure of a saturated and unsaturated fatty acid.
