Lipids Flashcards
What are the functions of triglycerides?
- Energy but less efficient than carbohydrates.
- Stores excessive calorific intake. Long term fuel reserve
- Insulation
- Protection of body parts
What is the chemical structure of saturated fats?
Single covalent bonds between each fatty acid carbon atoms. Each carbon atom is saturated with a hydrogen atom.
What is the state of saturated fats?
Solid at room temperature due to the way the molecules can pack closely together. They have a high melting point.
What is the chemical structure of monounsaturated fats?
Contain fatty acids with one double covalent bond between two carbons.
What is the state of monounsaturated fats?
Liquid at room temperature because the molecules can’t pack very closely together.
What is the chemical structure of polyunsaturated fats?
They contain more than one double bond in the carbon chain.
What is the state of polyunsaturated fats?
The molecules are ‘kinked’ so they are liquid at room temperature.
What is a sis configuration?
When the H atoms are on the same side of the double bond.
What is a trans configuration?
When the H atoms are on separate sides on the double bond.
Cis fats can turn into ? by heating to high temperatures.
trans fats
Essential fatty acids are ? and cannot be constructed within the body from other components and therefore must be obtained from the diet.
Polyunsaturated fats: omega 3 and omega 6
Describe the omega 6 family of eicosinoids in the body.
Linoleic acid (LA) is converted into Gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA) which is then converted into Arachidonic Acid (AA).
Describe the omega 3 family of eicosinoids in the body.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA) is converted into Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) which is then converted into Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).
Name 4 functions of EFAs.
- helps transport cholesterol in the blood.
- helps balance the immune system and prevent allergies.
- Bone formation and repair.
- Ensure proper nerve transmission especially in the brain.
What 3 elements are lipids made up of?
Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen.
What is different about the elements and bonding in lipids compared to carbohydrates?
They have a different ratio of elements and fewer polar OH groups making them hydrophobic.
In what form are lipids transported around the body?
They are bonded to a protein to make them more soluble and are called Lipoproteins.