Lipids Flashcards
What do Lipids contain?
Hydrogen and Carbon
What can Lipids do?
Provide a source of energy, help to insulate organisms, act as waterproofing and form membranes
What are the components of Triglycerides?
A Glycerol molecule and three fatty acid chains
What are the bonds of Triglycerides?
Ester bond formed by condensation between each of the three OH groups on the glycerol and the OH group of each fatty acid chain. Non-polar
What are the properties of Triglycerides?
Fatty acid chains are hydrophobic which makes lipids insoluble in water. Bundle together as insoluble droplets as the tails face inwards. The glycerol heads shield them from water.
Examples of Triglycerides
Energy store as there is a lot of energy released when the fatty acid chains are broken down
What are the components of Phospholipids?
A Glycerol molecule, a phosphate group and two fatty acids
What are the bonds of Phospholipids?
Ester bond formed by condensation between two OH groups on the glycerol and the OH group of each fatty acid chain.
What are the properties of Phospholipids?
Phosphate group are hydrophilic and the fatty acid chains are hydrophobic. Allows phospholipid to form bilayers which make up membranes in and around cells
Examples of Phospholipids
Membranes, hormones
What are Saturated fatty acids?
They don’t have any double bonds between their carbon atoms
What are Unsaturated fatty acids?
They have double bonds between carbon atoms which means they contain fewer hydrogen atoms. Also causes the chain to bend or kink.
What is the Phospholipid Bilayer?
When placed in water, they form a double layer as the heads are hydrophilic but the tails are hydrophobic. The centre of the Bilayer is hydrophobic so water soluble substances cannot easily pass through. Creates a barrier and allows separation of solutions and can create different conditions either side of the membrane.
