Lipid Structure and Function Flashcards
Structural lipids characteristics
Lipids are insoluble in water and soluble in
nonpolar organic solvents.
Phospholipids
- structure
- bonds
Amphipathic and form the bilayer of membranes.
Contain a hydrophilic (polar) head and hydrophobic
(nonpolar) tails. The head is attached by a
phosphodiester linkage, and determines the
function of the phospholipid
Saturation
Saturation of the fatty acid tails determines the
fluidity of the membrane. Saturated fatty acid =
less fluid.
Single bonds means it is saturated
Glycerophospholipids structure
Phospholipids that contain a glycerol backbone
Sphingolipids structure and bonds
Contain a sphingosine backbone. Many (but not all)
sphingolipid are also phospholipids with a
phosphodiester bond. These are
sphingophospholipids.
Sphingomyelins:
The major class of sphingophospholipids and
contain a phosphatidylcholine or
phohsphatidylethanolamine head group. Part of
the myelin sheath.
Sphingomyelins
The major class of sphingophospholipids and
contain a phosphatidylcholine or
phohsphatidylethanolamine head group. Part of
the myelin sheath
Glycosphingolipids
Attached to sugar moieties instead of a phosphate
group
Glycosphingolipids - Cerebrosides
have 1 sugar connected to
sphingosine
Glycosphingolipids Globosides
Have 2 or more sugars connected to sphingosine
Gangliosides
Contain oligosaccharides with at least 1 terminal Nacetylneuraminic
acid (NANA).
Waxes
Contain long-chain fatty acids esterified to longchain
alcohols. Used as protection against
evaporation and parasites in plants and animals.
Terpenes
Odiferous steroid precursors made from isoprene. One terpene unit (monoterpene) contains 2 isoprene units
Terpenoids
Derived from terpenes via oxygenation or backbone
rearrangement. Odorous characteristics.
Steroids
Contain 3 cyclohexane rings and 1 cyclopentane
Steroid Hormones
Have high-affinity receptors, work at low
concentrations, and affect gene expression and
metabolism.
Cholesterol
A steroid important to membrane fluidity and stability;
and serves as a precursor to many other molecules
Prostaglandins:
Are autocrine and paracrine signaling molecules that
regulate cAMP levels. Affect smooth muscle
contraction, body temp, sleep-wake cycle, fever, pain
Vitamin A:
Carotene, vision
Vitamin D:
Cholecalciferol, bone formation.
Vitamin E:
Tocopherols, antioxidants
Vitamin K:
Phylloquinone & menaquinones. Forms
prothrombin, a clotting factor.
Triacylglycerols:
Storage form of fatty acids. Contain 1 glycerol attached to
3 fatty acids by ester bonds. Very hydrophobic so do not
carry additional water weight.
Adipocytes
Animal cells used specifically for storage of large
triacylglycerol deposits
