Lipids

Question 1

Fatty acid

Answer 1

Simplest lipid. Consist of long hydrocarbon chains (16-18) with a carboxyl group at one end.

Question 2

Triglyceride

Answer 2

Where fatty acids are stored. Also known as fats. Consist of three fatty acids linked to a glycerol molecule

Question 3

Cholesterol

Answer 3

Consists of four hydrocarbon rings rather than linear hydrocarbon chains. The rings are strongly hydrophobic but the OH group attached is weakly hydrophilic. Amphipathic.

Question 4

Glycolipid

Answer 4

Consist of two hydrocarbon chains linked to polar head groups that contain carbohydrates. Amphipathic.

Question 5

Glycerol phospholipid

Answer 5

Two fatty acids are bound to carbon atoms in glycerol and the third carbon of glycerol is bound to a phosphate group, which in turn is attached to a small polar molecule.

Question 6

Sphingolipid

Answer 6

Lipids derived from the amino alcohol sphingosine. Only major membrane lipid not built on a glycerol backbone.

Question 7

Phospholipid

Answer 7

Principal component of cell membrane. Consists of two fatty acids joined to a polar head group. One fatty acid has been replaced by a phosphate group and one of several nitrogen-containing molecules.