Lipids Flashcards
what are lipids?
Heterogenous organic molecules
what are uses of lipids?
They store energy. The are a structural component of cell membrane. They are needed as enzyme co-factors. Hormones. Synthesis of ADEK vitamins Used as signalling molecules.
What are fatty acids?
hydrocarbon chains with a carboxylic group at one end. can be saturated or unsaturated.
what is an essential fatty acid?
must be obtained from plants. e.g. linoleic and a-linoleic acids
What are good fats?
high in polyunsaturated fatty acids - e.g sunflower oil.
what are bad fats?
high in saturated fats, e.g stearic acid
what are really bad fats?
trans fats e.g margarine
Why must essential fatty acids be obtained through our diet?
Because we cannot introduce double bonds beyond carbon 9.
what are triglycerides ?
esters of fatty acids and glycerols .
are triacylglycerides water soluble?
nope. they coalaes into droplets in water, so they are a major component of adipose tissue and act as insulation and dietary fuel.
what are phospholipids.
Glycerol bound to two fatty acids and a phosphate group. amphipathic - form phospholipid bi layer in cell membrane
what are the main dietary lipids?
triglyceride
where does most lipid digestion take place?
small intestine through the use of pancreatic enzymes, bile salts, and emulsification.
what is TAG digested by and what it is made>
pancreatic lipase - made into monoacylglycerol and two fatty acids
what is cholesterol esters broken down into?
cholesterol and a fatty acid
what are phospholipids broken down into?
hydrolysed to a fatty acid and a lysophospholipid
What do all the products of lipid digestion form?
mixed micelles with bile salts - release their contents when they approach the brush border.