Lipids Flashcards
What are Triglycerides
They are a type of energy store which is made of 3 Fatty acids and Glycerol
What are Phospholipids
They are a polymer which help with membrane structure. They contain two fatty acids, glycerol, a phosphate group and a polar group.
How do Triglycerides form?
A condensation reaction forming 3 ester bonds
What are the properties of fatty acids?
4-36 carbons
Has a carboxylic acid end group
Can have double or triple bonds
What does a saturated fatty acid form?
Forms a high density solid (Fat) with a regular structure, also has a high melting point.
What does an unsaturated fatty acid form?
Forms a low density liquid (Oil) with an irregular structure (containing kinks), also has a low melting point.
What is hydrogenation
The addition of hydrogen
How can a unsaturated fatty acid form an saturated fatty acid?
Through the process of hyrogenation
What are waxes?
They are a long chain fatty acids with an alcohol end group, which cannot be digested
What is the role of cholestrol in the body?
Cholesterol is deposited in gaps in the phospholipid bilayer to help stabilize the membrane it also regulates fluidity meaning it Prevents the membrane from becoming too fluid at high temperatures or too rigid at low temperatures.
Furthermore Reduces permeability Making the membrane less permeable to very small water-soluble molecules that might otherwise pass freely.
What is cholesterol used to make in the body?
Steroid hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone)
Vitamin D
Bile salts for digestion
What are HDLs?
HDLs (High-Density Lipoproteins): “Good” cholesterol, helps remove excess cholesterol from cells and transport it to the liver for breakdown.
What are LDLs?
LDLs (Low-Density Lipoproteins): “Bad” cholesterol, can deposit cholesterol in artery walls, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries).
What part of cholesterol is hydrophilic?
Hydroxyl group, the rest is hydrophobic
