Lipids Flashcards
1
Q
Definition
A
nonpolar hydrocarbons that are insoluble in water
2
Q
Purpose
A
- Fats and oils: store energy
- Phospholipids: structural role in cell membranes
- Carotenoids and chlorophylls: capture light energy in plants
- Steroids and modified fatty acids: hormones and vitamins
- Animal fat: thermal insulation
- Coating around nerves: electrical insulation
- Oil and wax on skin, fur, feathers – repels water
3
Q
Triglyceride structure
A
3 fatty acids plus a glycerol, ex: fats and oils
4
Q
Fatty acids
A
nonpolar hydrocarbon chain with a
polar carboxyl group
5
Q
Saturated fatty acids
A
no double bonds between carbons (it’s saturated with H atoms), molecules pack tightly
6
Q
Unsaturated fatty acids
A
one or more double bonds in carbon chain, kinks prevent close packing
7
Q
Bond between carboxyl and
hydroxyls of fatty acids and glycerol
A
ester linkage
8
Q
Phospholipids
A
fatty acids bound to glycerol, a phosphate
group replaces one fatty acid
9
Q
Amphipathic nature
A
2 opposing chemical properties in
one molecule, ex: phosphate hydrophilic heads and fatty acid hydrophobic chain tails in a lipid bilayer
