Lipids Flashcards
in what way are lipids different to proteins and carbohydrates?
lipids are NOT polymers made from monomers whereas
proteins (polymer) made from amino acids (monomer)
carbohydrates (polymer) made from monosaccharides (monomer)
what are the two types of lipids?
triglycerides
phospholipids
lipids are made from….
a variety of different compounds but all contain hydrocarbons
describe the structure of a triglyceride
a glycerol molecule with 3 fatty acid tails attached
why are lipids insoluble in water?
the fatty acid tails are hydrophobic
what’s the difference between a saturated fatty acid tail and an unsaturated fatty acid tail?
saturated has NO DOUBLE BONDS between their carbon atoms (saturated with hydrogen)
unsaturated has a double bond between the carbons
how is a triglyceride formed
a condensation reaction occurs between the glycerol and fatty acid tails
whats a triglyceride
a glycerol molecule with 3 fatty acid tails attached
what is the bond between the glycerol molecule and fatty acid tail in a triglyceride called
ester bond
where are phospholipids mainly found
cell membranes
whats a phospholipid
a glycerol molecule with 2 fatty acid tails and a phosphate group attached
why are phospholipids not repelled by water
the phosphate group is hydrophilic
why are triglycerides used as energy storage molecules
hydrocarbon tails of fatty acids have lots of chemical energy which is released when broken down
name 3 properties of triglycerides and explain them
- good energy storage molecule > lots of chemical energy released when broken down
- insoluble in water > water potential isnt affected and osmosis doesnt occur so cell doesnt swell
- triglycerides bundle together > as insoluble droplets because fatty acid tails are hydrophobic
what’s the phospholipids use
used to form a bilayer
heads are hydrophilic and tails are hydrophobic
