Lipids Flashcards
1
Q
What is a lipid?
A
A triglyceride made up of one glycerol and three fatty acids joined by ester bonds through condensation reactions.
2
Q
What is the difference between a saturated and unsaturated fatty acid?
A
Saturated contains only single carbon bonds, but unsaturated contains some carbon double bonds.
3
Q
What is a phospholipid?
A
Made up of 1 glycerol, 2 fatty acids and 1 phosphate joined by ester bonds in condensation reactions.
4
Q
Describe the structure of a phospholipid.
A
Glycerol phosphoric acid
—> polar head
—> hydrophilic
Fatty acids
—> non-polar tails
—> hydrophobic
5
Q
How do phospholipids act in water?
A
Hydrophillic heads are attracted to the water so face outwards, and hydrophobic tails are repelled by water so face inwards.
- form spherical micelles or a bilayer
