Lipids (1.14)

Question 1

Draw the structure of glycerol

Answer 1

H. H. H
|. |. |
H——C——C——C——H
|. |. |
OH. OH. OH

Question 2

Describe how glycerol reacts with fatty acids to produce a triglyceride

Answer 2

A condensation reaction occurs between the two molecules removing water from between the glycerol and the fatty acids forming an ester bond. This overall, produces a triglyceride.

Question 3

Describe how a triglyceride is broken down to release glycerol and fatty acids

Answer 3

The triglyceride undergoes a hydrolysis reaction (known as lipolysis) in which water is used to break the ester bond and separate the triglyceride back into its separate components.

Question 4

Give the structural differences between a saturated and unsaturated triglyceride

Answer 4

SATURATED: every C is bonded to as many H atoms as possible (no more can be added), C chain is straight without kinks and it can pack together to form solid fat at room temp.
UNSATURATED: not every C is bonded to as many H atoms as it could (some double bonds present), double bonds means a kink in carbon atom chain and do not pack together easily forming liquid oils at room temp.

Question 5

Explain how the structural differences between saturated and unsaturated triglycerides results in different physical properties

Answer 5

The higher number of carbon atoms of the chain the higher the melting point of the fatty acid will be.