Essential Nutreints 4 Flashcards
What is glycerol?
A three-carbon molecule that is a component of triglycerides and phospholipids
Glycerol serves as the backbone for triglycerides, linking with fatty acids.
What is a triglyceride?
A lipid composed of glycerol and three fatty acids
Triglycerides can be solid (fats) or liquid (oils) at room temperature.
What characterizes fats?
Lipids composed of glycerol and saturated fatty acids; solid at room temperature
Most fatty acids in animal fats are saturated, meaning they have only single bonds between carbon atoms.
What characterizes oils?
Lipids composed of glycerol and unsaturated fatty acids; liquid at room temperature
Most fatty acids in plant fats are unsaturated, meaning they contain double bonds.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?
Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms; unsaturated fats do
This structural difference affects their physical state at room temperature.
What is a phospholipid?
A lipid with a polar molecule, major components of cell membranes
Phospholipids comprise a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails.
What is the primary function of lipids?
The storage of energy
Lipids serve as long-term energy reserves and are essential for various bodily functions.
What happens to excess carbohydrates in the body?
They are converted to fat after glycogen stores are filled
This conversion helps explain weight gain when consuming excess carbohydrates.
What role do lipids play in the body?
Key components of cell membranes, cushions for organs, carriers for vitamins, and precursors for hormones
Lipids are essential for maintaining cellular structure and function.
What is a wax?
A long-chain lipid that is insoluble in water
Waxes provide waterproof coatings for plant leaves and animal feathers.
What are liposomes?
Double-layered spheres formed by lipids that can fuse with cells to deliver contents
Liposomes are used in drug delivery systems, especially in cancer treatment.
How do liposomes help in cancer treatment?
They target tumors and reduce side effects from drugs interacting with healthy tissues
This allows for higher doses of anti-cancer drugs to be administered safely.
What is gene therapy?
The process of introducing new genes into a person’s cells to correct genetic diseases
Liposomes can facilitate gene therapy by delivering DNA into target cells.
Fill in the blank: Triglycerides are formed by the union of glycerol and _______.
three fatty acids
True or False: Saturated fats are easier to break down than unsaturated fats.
False
Saturated fats are more stable due to single bonds, making them harder to break down.
