What defines lipids?
A chemically diverse group of chemicals with a wide range of structural and physiological functions.
Lipids play crucial roles in cell membrane structure and energy storage.
What is the solubility characteristic of lipids?
Insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as acetone, ether, and benzene.
This property is important for the extraction and analysis of lipids in biological systems.
What elements do lipids typically contain?
Carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and a low proportion of oxygen (O), and sometimes phosphorus (P).
The elemental composition of lipids contributes to their diverse functions in biology.
What is a major function of lipids?
Major long-term energy store.
Lipids are essential for energy metabolism and storage in living organisms.
What do lipids contain in terms of energy?
Lipids contain 37 kJ/g, compared to carbohydrates which contain 17 kJ/g.
What is a property of lipids regarding heat loss?
Lipids are good insulators of heat loss.
What is an example of lipids as electrical insulators?
Myelin sheath around nerves is an example of lipids acting as electrical insulators.
What vitamins can be stored in lipids?
Lipids may be the site of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
What structural role do phospholipids play?
Phospholipids have a structural role in cell membranes.
What is one function of waxes?
Waxes act as waterproofing agents.
What is a protective function of lipids?
Lipids protect internal organs.
What are some examples of lipids?
Examples of lipids include waxes, steroids, and some triglycerides.
What are lipids made of?
Lipids are made of fatty acid chains joined to a glycerol.
What is a triglyceride?
A triglyceride consists of 3 fatty acid chains.
What are the types of glycerides?
The types of glycerides include triglycerides, monoglycerides and diglycerides
What is the structure of fatty acids?
Fatty acids are long chains of carbon and hydrogen (C-H), usually 17 carbons long, attached to a carboxyl group.
What is the nature of the carboxyl group in fatty acids?
The carboxyl group (COOH) is hydrophilic, while the carbon chain is hydrophobic.
What bonds do unsaturated fatty acids have that saturated fatty acids do not have?
They have double carbon bonds between C atoms
Properties of saturated fats
Higher melting points
Tend to be fats
Have a great energy content
Properties of unsaturated fats
Lower melting point
Tend to be oils
Contain less energy
How to make a monoglyceride?
Glycerol + fatty acid
What bonds do monoglycerides, dyglycerides ans triglycerides have
Ester Bonds
What is a phospholipid
Triglyceride with a phosphate group in place of one fatty acid chain
What is the charge on a phospholipid
Uncharged/non polar/hydrophobic fatty acid tails
Charged/polar/hydrophilic head
