lipids Flashcards
what functional group do all fatty acids contain
carboxyl
features of saturated fatty acids (4)
- contain a c-c single bond
- bonded to maximum number of hydrogen bonds
- made up of stearic (straight) chains
- high melting point, solid at room temperature
why do saturated fatty acids have a high melting point
the triglyceride molecules are tightly packed with lots of contact
features of unsaturated fatty acids (4)
- contain c=c double bond
- bonded to ‘less’ hydrogen
- made up of a bent chain
- lower melting point, liquid at room temperature
why do unsaturated fatty acids have a lower melting point
molecules are less tightly packed
describe the formation of a triglyceride molecule
- one glycerol bonds with 3 fatty acids
- condensation reaction releasing three water molecules
- ester bonds form
- between hydroxyl groups on glycerol and carboxylic groups on fatty acids
describe the formation of a phospholipid bilayer
- hydrophobic phosphate heads face outwards attracted to water
- found both inside and outside the cell
- hydrophobic fatty acid tails turn inwards repelled by water
describe the structure of a phospholipid
contains a charged hydrophilic phosphate ‘head’, a glycerol molecule and hydrophobic fatty acid tails (two fatty acids)
What are the roles of lipids (5)
- store of energy (to produce ATP through respiration)
- insulation
- protection
- waterproofing (e.g waxy cuticle on leaves)
- production of phospholipids for formation of cell surface/organelle membranes
similarities of triglycerides and phospholipids
- both insoluble
- both have ester bonds
describe the test for lipids
if the sample is solid, grind it. mix this sample with 2cm^3 of ethanol and 2cm^3 of water. shake. if positive, solution will go from colourless to a white/milky emulsion
describe a triglyceride molecule
-1 glycerol bonded to three fatty acids
- hydrophobic (non-polar) molecule
describe a phospholipid
- 1 glycerol bonded to two fatty acids, third replaced by a phosphate group
- hydrophilic head, hydrophobic tail
- unlike triglycerides it forms micelles in water
describe the roles of phospholipid bilayers in the cell surface membrane
partially controls substances in and out of the cell
what molecules can diffuse directly through the bilayer in a cell surface membrane
non-polar or lipid soluble molecules