Lipids Flashcards
What is a lipid?
A carbon-containing compound found in organisms
Largely nonpolar and hydrophobic
Do lipids dissolve in water?
Lipids do not dissolve easity in water
Lipids are hydrocarbons- What does this mean?
They only contain hydrogen and carbon
Lipids are nonpolar molecules which means their ends are …?
Not charged
Why are lipids not soluble in water?
They are nonpolar and water is polar meaning that they do not share or bond electrons
Fatty acids are the tails of lipids. What is a fatty acid?
Long hydrocarbon chains that end with a carboxyl (-COOH) group
What is the general formula?
H3C-(CH)n-COOH
What do unsaturated fatty acids contain?
One or more double bond
Do unsaturated fatty acids have a high or low melting point?
Low melting point
What state is staurated fatty acids of less than 10 carbons at in room temperature?
Liquid
Are sturated fatty acids are liquid at room temperature?
Yes
What does cis mean?
The hydrogens either side of the double bond may be on the same side
What dies trans mean?
The hydrogens either side of the double bond may be on the opposite side of the double bond
Do the most naturally occuring unsaturated fatty acid contain cis or trans configuration?
Cis
Are trans fats rare?
Yes
How are trans fats made?
From cis-unsaturated fats in an industria; process called hydrogentaion
What bonds are converted in hydrogenation?
Double bonds are converted into single bonds
Cis bonds are conerted into a trans formation
Nucleotides, lipids and carbohydrates are defined by what proterty?
Physical property
What are the three most important types of lipids found in cells?
Steroids, phospholipids and fats
What is an example of a steroid?
Cholesterol
How are steroids distinguished?
Bt the four-ring structure
How do steriods differ?
By functional group or side groups attached to these rings
Why is cholesterol an important component of plasma membranes?
Provides stability in membranes
What are steroids used for?
A starting point for the synthesis of hormones
- Oestrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone