phospholipids Flashcards
1
Q
what is the structure of a phospholipid?
A
- a phospholipid molecule is made of 1 glycerol molecule joined to 1 charged phosphate head via a phosphodiester bond & 2 non-polar fatty acid chains via ester linkages
2
Q
how many water molecules are removed during the formation of a phospholipid?
A
- 3 water molecules
3
Q
where are the 3 water molecules removed from during the formation of a phospholipid?
A
- 1 water molecule removed during the formation of the phosphodiester bond between the phosphate group and the glycerol backbone,
- 2 water molecules removed during the formation of ester linkages between the fatty acids & the glycerol backbone during dehydration synthesis
4
Q
is the phosphate group joint to the glycerol backbone polar or non-polar?
A
- polar
5
Q
what makes up the hydrophilic head of a phospholipid?
A
- the charged phosphate head
6
Q
what does the charged phosphate head consist of?
A
- choline
- phosphate
- glycerol
7
Q
what makes up the hydrophobic region of a phospholipid?
A
- non-polar fatty acid chains
8
Q
can the 2 fatty acid chains of the phospholipid be different?
A
yes!!
9
Q
how can the 2 fatty acid chains of the phospholipid be different?
A
- different length of hydrocarbon chain
- different degree of saturation
10
Q
since phospholipids consists of both hydrophobic & hydrophilic regions, what are they?
A
- they are amphipathic in nature
