Lipids Flashcards
Define lipids
Biological molecules that are insoluble in aqueous solutions and soluble in organic solvents are classified as lipids
What do lipids include?
- Fats
- Oils
- Certain vitamines
- Hormones
- The cell membrane that is not made up of protein
Name the major classifications of lipids
- Fatty acids and its derivatives
- Cholesterols and its derivatives
- Lipoproteins
What are fatty acids comprised of?
Hydrogen chains terminating with carboxylic acid groups
What does the length and degree of saturation of the hydrocarbon chain dictate?
Its physical properties
What are fatty acids responsible for?
The hydrophobic properties exhibited by lipids
What do fatty acids have an important role in?
- Cellular fuel sources
- Energy storage within adipose tissues in the form of triacylglycerols
- Structural functions
- The composition of hormones
- The modification of proteins
- Cell signalling
What are the 2 main groups fatty acids can be divided into?
- Saturated
2. Unsaturated
Describe saturated fats
They are generally solid at room temperature
Where are saturated fats found?
Animal sources:
- Lard
- Butter
- Hard margarine
- Cheese
- Whole milk
Describe unsaturated fats
They are usually liquid at room temperature
Where are unsaturated fats found
Vegetable sources
What is the characteristic of unsaturated fatty acid
They have one or more carbon double bonds
What can carbon double bonds give?
Cis or Trans isomers
What is a fatty acid with one double bond called?
Mono unsaturated
What dictates the physical property of fatty acids?
The length and degree of saturation of the hydrocarbon
Which part of the lipid is responsible for its hydrophobic properties?
The fatty acid chain
What is a fatty acid with MORE than one double bond called?
Polyunsaturated
Which is healthier saturated fats or unsaturated vegetable oils?
Unsaturated vegetable oils