Lipids Flashcards
What are the roles of lipids?
- Form plasma membranes (specifically phospholipids - phosphlipid bilayer)
- Energy source
- Water proofing
- Insulation
- Protection
What are the two types of lipids?
Triglycerides and phospholipids.
What is a triglyceride made of?
A glycerol and three fatty acid chains.
What is a phospholipid made of?
A glycerol, two fatty acid chains and a phosphate.
What bonds are formed between molecules in lipids?
Ester bonds.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated?
Unsaturated means it has double bonds between carbon atoms.
Which parts of a phospholipid are hydrophilic and hydrophobic? What do those terms mean?
The phosphate head is hydrophilic (will interact with water). The fatty acid chains are hydrophobic (which keeps away from water).
How do you test for a lipid?
Add ethanol. Add water. Shake. If a white, milky emulsion forms, a lipid is present.
