Lipids Flashcards
What are fatty acids?
the main component of Lipids
Saturated fatty acids
there are no C=C bonds and the molecule has as many hydrogen atoms as possible.
Unsaturated fatty acids
there is at least one C=C bond, therefore the molecule contains fewer hydrogen atoms than is maximally possible.
how is a triglyceride molecule formed?
by joining one molecule
of glycerol to three fatty acids through three condensation reactions, forming ester bonds.
Why are triglycerides used in respiration and energy storage?
due to its insolubility and high carbon to hydrogen ratio.
how is a Phospholipid molecule formed?
replace one of the fatty acid chains in triglycerides with a phosphate molecule.
glycerol has I phosphate group and 2 fatty acids attached
Why are phospholipids used in membranes?
hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads of
phospholipids allow them to
form phospholipid bilayers.. so can separate to aqueous environments