Lipids And Lipoproteins Flashcards
What are the primary functions of lipids in the body?
Energy storage, cell membrane structure, thermal insulation, and synthesis of hormones and vitamins.
What are the main types of lipids?
Fatty acids, triacylglycerols, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and steroids.
How are fatty acids classified?
Saturated (no double bonds, solid at room temperature) and unsaturated (one or more double bonds, liquid at room temperature).
What are triacylglycerols, and why are they important?
Nonpolar energy storage molecules made of glycerol and three fatty acids; they provide long-term energy reserves.
What is the function of glycerophospholipids in cells?
They form the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes, with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.
What are sphingolipids, and where are they primarily found?
They are membrane components derived from sphingosine, important in the myelin sheath of nerve cells.
How does cholesterol function in cell membranes?
It provides membrane stability, preventing solidification in cold and excessive fluidity in warm conditions.
What are lipoproteins, and why are they important?
Lipoproteins are lipid-protein complexes that transport lipids like cholesterol and triacylglycerols in the blood.
What is the role of HDL in cholesterol transport?
HDL transports cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver (reverse cholesterol transport), helping prevent arterial fat buildup.
How do chylomicrons and VLDL function in lipid transport?
Chylomicrons transport dietary fats from the intestine to tissues, while VLDL carries endogenous fats from the liver to tissues.
What are the five types of lipoproteins?
Chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL, LDL and HDL
