Lipids 1 Flashcards
What are lipids?
Organic compounds that are fatty acids or their derivatives and are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Include natural oils, waxes and steroids
What are the function of lipids?
Source of energy, component of cell membranes, signalling, provides insulation, protects internal organs
What are triglycerides?
90% of fat that you eat is in the form of triglyceride
Used for energy storage, fatty acid storage and structure for lipoproteins
Glycerol + 3 fatty acids = triglyceride
What is the structure of fatty acids?
Different chain lengths
If there are no double bonds - saturated fat
Most fatty acids are cis bonds, trans fats are from dairy products and act like a saturated fat
Position of first double bond from methyl end
What are fatty acids?
Chains of carbon molecules with a methyl group at one end of the chain and carboxyl group at the other end
What are phospholipids?
Have a chemical structure that allow them to have unique roles in body
Have many roles in diet - found in all cell membranes
What are sterols
Multiple ring structures found in plant and animal food. Starting material for bile acids, sex hormones, adrenal hormones and vitamin D