Chapter 5 Lipid Structure and Function

Question 1

Lipids are defined as what?

Answer 1

A class of molecules that are insoluble in water

Question 2

What is the difference between a glycerophospholipid and a sphingophospholipid?

Answer 2

The backbone is different; a glycerol backbone in the first case and a sphinogsine backbone in the second

Question 3

What are the classifications of sphingolipids?

Answer 3

1. Sphingomyelins - also phospholipids
2. Glycolipids - no phosphate group, instead a sugar
3. Gangliosides - NANA as a head group

Question 4

A terpene is a molecule that is made up of what?

Answer 4

2 isoprene units

Question 5

How are steroids classified?

Answer 5

classified by 4 rings fused together: 3 hexane and 1 pentane ring; they are all nonpolar and their functional groups determine other functions

Question 6

What is the function of a prostaglandin?

Answer 6

To regulate synthesis of cAMP; cAMP regulates many downstream things

Question 7

What do NSAIDs like advil achieve?

Answer 7

NSAIDs are “Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatry Drugs” and they inactive prostaglandins by inactivating COX

Question 8

What are the 4 fat-soluble vitamins?

Answer 8

1. Vitamin A
2. Vitamin K
3. Vitamin E
4. Vitamin D

Question 9

Vitamin A’s role

Answer 9

Vit. A AKA carotene, is responsible for sight; retinal and retinol

Question 10

Vitamin D’s role

Answer 10

Vitamin D is responsible for calcium regulation - this can be made in the body with the help of UV light

Question 11

Vitamin E’s role

Answer 11

Helps with detoxification, specifically targeting radicals

Question 12

Vitamin K’s role

Answer 12

Vitamin K helps form prothrombin, which is a coagulation factor and helps with blood clots.

Question 13

What are the 2 reasons of why energy is best stored as fat?

Answer 13

1. It contains more energy, bc the bonds are more reduced

2. Very nonpolar. Because of this, there’s less organization of water molecules - thus less weight