Exam 2: Lipids, Digestion and Absorption, Energy Metabolism Flashcards
Fatty acids that are most common in foods and most noteworthy in nutrition have how many carbons?
18
What type of foods contain monounsaturated fats?
Olive and canola oil
Everywhere
Long chain saturated fatty acids have how many carbons? What form do they take at room temperature?
> 12
Solid
Short chain saturated fatty acids have how many carbons? What form do they take at room temperature?
<6
Liquid
How many carbons do medium chain saturated fatty acids have? What form do they take at room temperature?
6-10
They go between solid and liquid
Why are unsaturated fats generally liquids?
Double bonds create kinks in the chain, not allowing them to pack as easily as the straight chain saturated fatty acids
What kind of fatty acid is oleic acid? How many carbons does it have?
Monounsaturated
18
Where is the first double bond in oleic acid?
C9
omega-9 acid
What kind of fatty acid is stearic acid? How many carbons does it have?
Saturated
18
Why do fatty acids produce more energy than carbohydrates?
Because of the large amount of carbons and almost no oxygen
What kind of fatty acid is linoleic acid? How many carbons does it have?
Polyunsaturated
18
How many double bonds does linoeic acid have? On which carbon is the first one?
2 double bonds
omega-6
What kind of fatty acid is alpha-linolenic acid? How many carbons does it have?
Polyunsaturated
18
How many double bonds does alpha-linolenic acid have? On which carbon is the first one?
3 double bonds
omega-3
Why are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids essential?
The body does not have enzymes that can unsaturate (add double bonds) saturated fats before C9, therefore we must consume them - although in small amounts
Why do we need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?
Functions: Cell membranes Immune function Vision Eicosanoid production Structural molecules
What kind of fatty acids are eicosanoids?
20C polyunsaturated
What do eicosanoids do?
Function like hormones (act locally); regulate blood pressure, clotting, immune response, inflammatory response, GI secretions
What pathway does aspirin block?
Stops Arachidonic acid (omega-6) from being turned into a Group 2 series eicosanoid, which then decreases blood clotting, vasoconstriction - why it is recommended to be taken during a heart attack or those at risk
What series of eicosanoids to omega-6 acids make? What are their function and name one.
Series 1 and 2 Stimulates blood clotting and vasoconstriction Thromboxane A2 (TXA2)
What is thromboxane A2 (TXA2)? When is it advantageous? When is it dangerous?
Series 1/2 eicosanoid that is made by platelets and stimulates blood clotting and vasoconstriction
Hemorrhage
Heart disease
Describe the eicosanoid pathway that omega-3 fatty acids take.
Docosahexonic acid (DHA) Eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) Group 3 series eicosanoids
What functions do group 3 eicosanoids have?
Inhibits making of group 2 series eicosanoids and therefore decrease blood clotting and risk of heart attack; could lead to hemorrhagic stroke