Lipids Flashcards
structure of a triglyceride
-glycerol
-3 fatty acids
structure of a phospholipid
-glycerol molecule
-2 fatty acid chains
-phosphate group attached to glycerol
how are triglycerides formed
-in a condensation reaction
-between one molecule of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acid
what bond is formed in a triglyceride
ester bond
what are the R groups of triglycerides
fatty acids which can be saturated or unsaturated
describe saturated fatty acids
-the hydrocarbon chain has only single bonds between carbons
describe unsaturated fatty acids
-the hydrocarbon chain consists of at least one double bond between carbons
explain why a lot of energy is stored in a triglyceride molecule
-the large ratio of energy storing carbon-hydrogen bonds compared to the number of carbon atoms
what does the high ratio of hydrogen to oxygen atoms in triglycerides result in
-act as a metabolic water source
-can release water if they are oxidised which is essential for desert animals
why do triglycerides not affect water potentials and osmosis
-they are large and hydrophobic
-so are insoluble in water
explain the effect of lipids having a relatively low mass
-a lot can be stored without increasing the mass and preventing movement
what are the bonds in phospholipids
-two fatty acids bond to the glycerol via condensation reactions
-two ester bonds formed
describe the function of the hydrophilic head of a phospholipid
-can attract water as it is charged
-due to the phosphate being polar it repels other fats
describe the features of the fatty acid chain in phospholipids
-not charged (non polar)
-known as hydrophobic tail
-repels water but mixes with fats
what makes phospholipids polar
they have two charged regions
