Lipids Flashcards
What are the functions of lipids?
Storage
EFA
Energy store
Electrical insulation
Waterproofing
Production of metabolic water
Protection
Buoyancy
Hormone production
Thermal insulation
Why are lipids good energy store?
They have a high proportion of H atoms relative to O atoms so they yield more energy than the same mass of carbohydrate
Why are lipids a good storage molecule?
Lipids are non polar and are insoluble in water and it has more energy per gram than carbohydrates
What are biological membranes made of?
Phospholipids
What are EFA’s?
Essential fatty acids that the body needs but can’t synthesise
How are lipids used for waterproofing?
Waxy cuticles prevent excess evaporation from the surface of the leaf
Why are lipids used for buoyancy?
They can float on water, so they can maintain buoyancy in organisms
How are lipids used in hormone production?
Steroid hormones such as oestrogen needs lipids in its formation, as other substances like plant growth hormones
How are lipids used in thermal insulation?
Fat conducts heat very slowly so having a layer underneath the skin keeps metabolic heat on
What elements are lipids made up of?
Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen
What is the most common type of lipids?
Triglyceride
What are the properties of fats (not lipid fats)
Solid at room temperature
Single carbon bonds
Saturated chains
What are the properties of oils?
Liquid at room temperature
Double carbon bonds
Unsaturated chains
What makes ups a triglyceride?
3 fatty acid chains
1 glycerol
what are the structures in a fatty acid chain
An acid group and a hydrocarbon chain