Lipids AI Flashcards
What are lipids?
Organic molecules that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents.
True or False: Lipids are an essential component of cell membranes.
True
Fill in the blank: Lipids are composed of ______, ______, and ______.
fatty acids, glycerol, other components
What is the main function of lipids in the body?
Energy storage and insulation.
What are the two main categories of lipids?
Saturated and unsaturated.
Where are lipids primarily stored in the body?
Adipose tissue.
What is the main difference between saturated and unsaturated lipids?
Saturated lipids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated lipids have at least one double bond.
True or False: Lipids are hydrophobic.
True
What are triglycerides composed of?
Three fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule.
What is the function of phospholipids in cell membranes?
They form a lipid bilayer that separates the cell from its environment.
What are steroids?
Lipids with a fused ring structure.
What is the precursor of steroid hormones like testosterone and estrogen?
Cholesterol.
Fill in the blank: Lipids play a crucial role in the absorption of fat-soluble ______.
vitamins
What is the main function of waxes in living organisms?
To protect against water loss and provide a waterproof barrier.
What are the two essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce on its own?
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
True or False: Lipids are a more efficient energy storage molecule than carbohydrates.
True
What is the primary function of lipoproteins in the body?
To transport lipids through the bloodstream.
What is the term for the process of breaking down lipids into smaller molecules for energy production?
Lipolysis.
Fill in the blank: Lipids are composed of long ______ chains attached to a ______ backbone.
hydrocarbon, glycerol
What are the building blocks of triglycerides?
Fatty acids and glycerol.
True or False: Lipids are a major component of myelin sheaths that insulate nerve cells.
True
What is the primary function of sphingolipids in cell membranes?
To help maintain membrane structure and function.
What is the main difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.
What are the two main types of cholesterol?
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein).
True or False: Lipids are a major component of hormones in the body.
True
What is the function of lipids in the skin?
To provide a waterproof barrier and prevent excessive water loss.
What role do lipids play in the structure of cell membranes?
They help maintain membrane fluidity and integrity.
What are the two main components of a phospholipid molecule?
A hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails.
