Lipids Flashcards
functions of lipids?
- long term energy storage
- insulation/protection to organs
lipids serve more ________ per gram than any other biological molecule
energy
what makes up lipids?
large regions of H and C atoms
why are H and C bonds IN LIPIDS nonpolar covalent bonds?
symmetrical - all 4 H atoms pulling @ carbon w/ equal force
why are lipids hydrophobic?
BC of nonpolar covalent bonds - H2O molecules aren’t attracted to C-H bonds
what r the 3 major groups of lipids?
1) oils, fats, and waxes
2) phopholipids (w/ phosphate in cell membranes)
3) steroids
what are oils, fats, and waxes composed of? what do oils, fats, and waxes look like?
+3 fatty acids + glycerol
straight chains w/o any ring structures
what kind of bonds are in lipids?
nonpolar covalent bonds
where are phospholipids found?
in cell membranes
what do saturated fats look like and what are the characteristics of saturated fats? name 5 characteristics
a) linear
b) saturated w/ H atoms
c) solid @ room temp
d) NO carbon double bonds
e) unhealthy
why are saturated fats unhealthy?
contributes to artherosclerosis (hardening and clogging of veins from saturated fats –> leads to heart attack)
what are the characteristics of unsaturated fats? give 5 characteristics
a) they have double bonded carbons
b) unsaturated with H atoms
c) chains are kinked
d) liquid @ room temp
e) healthy
why do unsaturated fats protect against the disease artheroscleorosis?
healthy –> not modified from saturating the broken double bonded carbons w/ H
what is cholesterol?
a lipid
what is the structure of phospholipids?
one of the three fatty acids is replaced by a phosphate group
includes:
- 1 glycerol
- 2 fatty acids
- 1 phosphate group
