Lipids Flashcards
What are the two ends of a fatty acid?
Carboxylic end and the hydrocarbon end.
In what form are fatty acids stored in our bodies?
They are stored as TAG for fuel
Describe how fatty acids are named using the example octadecane and explain the change in names that correspond to a change in the number of double bonds present.
Octadecane = octadecanoic
1 double bond= -enoic
2 double bonds= -edienoic
3 double bonds= -etrienoic
What is an unsaturated fatty acid?
A fatty acid with double bonds.
What do the ratios 18:0 and 18:2 mean?
18: 0 = 18 hydrocarbons and 0 double bonds.
18: 2 =18 carbons and 1 double bond
When numbering a fatty acid which end do you typically start unless notified to do otherwise?
The carboxylic acid end
What are carbons 2 and 3 named?
2= alpha 3= beta
What is the name of the terminal hydrocarbon?
Omega
What does the following mean: cis (delta)^9 mean?
That there is a cis double bond at carbon 9, and start counting from the carboxylic acid end.
What does cis (omega)^10 mean?
That there is a cis double bond at the number 10 carbon, start counting from the omega end.
How many carbons do fatty acids typically have?
They usually have an even number of carbons, between 14-24.
What are the most common number of carbons on fatty acids?
16-18 carbons
Are double bonds in fatty acids mostly cis or trans?
Cis
Why should you refer to fatty acids in their carboxylate form?
Because they are ionized at physiological pH.
What factors determine the properties of a fatty acid?
The chain length and degree of saturation.
