Chapter 3 - lipids Flashcards
lipids
molecule that is soluble in oil, not in water
terpene
precursor to other molecules such as chlorophyll. We don’t need to know anymore than it is a lipid.
steroids
includes cholesterol, testosterone, estrogen. Don’t need to draw a picture steroid, but just need to recognize it— 4 ring structure.
prostaglandins
A fatty acid folded in half. Acts as signal molecules (e.g. smooth muscle contraction).
waxes
a long chain of ester linkages containing an alcohol and a long chain fatty acid
example: earwax, beeswax, succulent flowers
fatty acids
a combination of the 3 carbon molecule called glycerol and long carbon chains. Will have an even number of carbons because it is assembled from 2 chains.
lipids versus fatty acids
lipid refers to the general definition, whereas fatty acid refers to the specific example
formation of a fat molecule
3 fatty acids combine with glycerol to make a fat molecule through a condensation/dehydration reaction, releasing 3 water molecules
saturated fat
every possible hydrogen is present in a fat molecule. Solid at room temperature (animal fats)
unsaturated fat
mostly found in plants, where a double bond exists between carbons, causing a kink in the chain, and reducing how tightly it can pack. Liquid at room temp (e.g. corn oil)
trans-fats
type of fat produced by the industrial process of passing hydrogen gas through the fat causing to become saturated. Promotes deposition of fats in arteries (atherosclerosis). Unfortunately burger cookies have trans fats.
phospholipids
important in creating cell membrane structures (phospholipid bilayer). Composed of a polar phosphate head with a neutral/hydrophobic tail. Example of charged group: choline with a positive one charge.
vesicle
structure formed when phospholipid is placed in water. The hydrophobic tails pointed inward, and the hydrophilic heads point outwards in opposite directions.
ampipathic molecule
a molecule soluble in water on one side, but insoluble on the other side. Example: phospholipid
