Biological Molecules - Lipids

Question 1

What form (state) can lipids be in?

Answer 1

Fats (solids) or oils (liquids).

Question 2

What is the basic structure of a triglyceride? Explain the bonding?

Answer 2

Glycerol bonded to 3 fatty acids. 3 H20 molecules are produced during a condensation reaction, leaving an esther COCO bond; Auntie ESTHER had COCO before bed.

Question 3

What is atherosclerosis? What are its causes?

Answer 3

Atherosclerosis:
- the hardening of the arteries and build up of fatty deposits,
- Degenerate disease - gets worse over time,
- Social disease - social groups are prone to getting the disease due to the fact they often share similar health habits,
Causes:
- High LDL and low HDL (bad/good cholesterol)
- Smoking/drinking,
- Diabetes
- Poor diet,
- High blood pressure,

Question 4

Explain the test for lipids?

Answer 4

Tests for fats and oils
- Mix fat or oil with 5cm^3 of absolute alcohol in a boiling tube,
- Shake the tube,
- Pour the mixture into another boiling tube half full of cold water,
If there is no fat present, the mixture will be clear. If there is a fat present, there will be droplets suspended in the solution. This is called an emulsion.