lipids Flashcards
what is a lipid ?
fats, waxes and oils
what is the most common type of lipid ?
the triglyceride
what are lipids / triglycerides used for ?
- for storage
- high energy store
- production of metabolic water
- insulation
- waterproofing
why can it be used for storage ?
they do not affect water potentials and osmosis as they are large and hydrophobic, making them insoluble in water so they can be stored in a compact way
why can it be used for a high energy store ?
lipids have a high proportion of hydrogen atoms relative to oxygen so respiration of lipids yields more energy
why can it be used for the production of metabolic water ?
because some water is produced as a final result of respiration
as the triglycerides can release water if they are oxidised
what are the 2 types of insulation lipids can be used for ?
mechanical insulation- prevents impact
- thermal insulation
what does it mean when a molecule is saturated ?
there is no double carbon to carbon bond
there are only single bonds between he carbons
what does it mean when a molecule is unsaturated ?
it contains at least one double carbon to carbon bond between the carbons
what is a lipid made out of ?
glycerol and fatty acid
what does a triglyceride contain ?
glycerol
3x fatty acids
3x ester bonds
on what does the properties of lipid depend upon?
the length of the fatty acid tails and the saturation
what are all lipids ?
insoluble in water
what is the test for a lipid ?
emulsion test
- lipid + water + ethanol + shake = cloudy white emulsion
where are phospholipids found in ?
in cell membranes