Membrane Structure Flashcards
Of the other macromolecules, are lipids larger or smaller?
Smaller.
Are membranes composed of just lipids?
NO, proteins AND lipids
What does amphiphatic mean?
It means it has a hydrophilic and hydrophobic end.
Are all membrane lipids amphiphatic?
YES
What is the major component of membranes?
Phospholipids… more specificalls phosphoglycerides.
What are some examples of hydrophilic head groups?
serine (AA), inositol (sugar), choline
What is the difference between glycerides & galactides and sphingolipids?
Their backbones. glycerides and galactolipids have glycerol as their backbone while sphingolipids have sphingosine.
What class are the greatest number of lipids? What is their general function?
Sphingolipids, they function as cell signals.
Are triglycerols amphiphatic?
NO they are NOT. Since their head is also a fatty acid (hydrophobic) the entire molecule is hydrpophobic.
Where are galactolipids commonly found?
Plant membranes
Do glycolipids and phosphoilipids have a type with a sphingo or glycerol backbone?
YES
How and where are fatty acids synthesizes?
By fatty-acid synthase in the cytosol of the liver.
How are triglycerols transported? Where from?
VLDL
from the liver through blood to other tissues
Where are triglycerols stroed?
adipose tissue
How are triglycerols broken down? what is the purpose of this?
By lipases
for energy or to use the fatty acids for membrane lipid synthesis