Lipids (Biomolecules)

Question 1

What atoms are lipids made of?

Answer 1

Core: Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen

Sometimes: Nitrogen, Sulfur, and/or Phosphorous

Question 2

Do lipids have monomers and polymers?

Answer 2

No, but some of them do consist of smaller molecules (glycerol + 3 fatty acids) that make up larger molecules

Question 3

Are lipids hydrophobic or hydrophilic?

Answer 3

Most lipids are hydrophobic and non-polar

Question 4

What are the functions of lipids?

Answer 4

• Energy storage
• Padding
• Insulation
• Hormones
• Cell membranes
• Water proofing

Question 5

What are examples of Lipids?

Answer 5

• Fats and oils
• Waxes

Question 6

What are the first main differences between Saturated and Unsaturated fats?

Answer 6

Saturated fats = maximum hydrogen atoms in saturated fatty acid, single bonds between carbon atoms, solid at room temp

Unsaturated fats = at least one unsaturated fatty acid which has less than maximum hydrogen atoms, at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms, liquid at room temp.

Question 7

Why are trans fats different?

Answer 7

Contain fatty acids that have ben chemically changed from unsaturated to saturated to make them solid at room temp.

Question 8

What are hydrogenated oils?

Answer 8

Trans fats

Question 9

What are Phospholipids?

Answer 9

A modified triglyceride (glycerol + 3 fatty acids) that contain phosphate instead of one of the fatty acids

Question 10

What are phospholipids used for?

Answer 10

They are the main component of cell membranes

Question 11

Are Phospholipids hydrophilic or hydrophobic?

Answer 11

They are amphipathetic. The phosphate “head” is hydrophilic. The fatty acid “tails” are hydrophobic