Chapter 2: Biological Molecules Flashcards
(156 cards)
How do saturated and unsaturated lipids vary in structure
Sat have C-C only single bonds
Unsat have double bonds
What are 3 types of unsaturated lipids in terms of no. of double bonds
Mono unsat
Di unsat
Poly unsat
Which states are sat and Unsat lipids at room temp, and what are their originsm
Sat - solid, animals
Unsat - liquid, plants
Why are unsat lipids liquid at room temp
Double bonds make them melt more easily because the double bond causes gaps in the tail
What is the formula for formation of an Ester?
(carboxylic) acid+ alcohol —> ester + water
Recall structural formulae equation
How is a triglyceride molecule formed (process and raw materials)
Glycerol+ 3 Fatty acids with hydrocarbon tails
—> By-product water and Triglyceride molecule
—> = Condensation
Recall structural formulae equation
How is a phospholipid formed
When one of the 3 fatty acids in triglyceride is replaced by a phosphate group
What is a dipole
Unequal distribution of charge
Where do dipoles essential occur
Molecules containing -OH, -CO & -NH groups
What is a hydrogen bond (eg in water)
In water negatively charged oxygen of one molecule is attracted to positively charged hydrogen of ANOTHER molecule, the attraction between the 2 is the H bond
Note: the attraction between 2 atoms WITHIN the SAME molecule is the covalent bond
What are polar molecules
Having dipoles
HYDROPHILIC
Why are non polar molecules insoluble
They not have dipoles (uncharged) to attract dipoles of water molecules
HYDROPHOBIC
What is the specialty of H bonds?
Individually weak, but collectively very strong
Which lipids are sol and which are insol
And why
Sol-phospholipid(hydrophilic) : charged phosphate attracts partially +ve hydrogen
Insol-triglyceride(hydrophobic) : no charged groups
Tests (2) for lipids:
- 1cm3 unknown + 1cm3 of alcohol/organic solvent (ethene) —> sample dissolved if lipid is present
- 1cm3 of unknown + 1cm3 of water —> sample will not dissolve if lipid is present(emulsion)
Confirmatory test for lipids:
1cm3 unknown + 1cm3 organic solvent —> lipid will dissolve
Transfer to testtube with water. Milky white ppt formed, lipid is confirmed
Why are lipids significant energy reserves
They are richer in carbon-hydrogen bonds than carbs, which when broken supply hydrogen yo make nadh and fadh2.
A given mass of lipids yields more energy on oxidation than same mass of carb (high caloric value)
How are lipids insulators
Below the dermis of skin, and around the kidneys it prevents heat loss
Lipids can be blubber. What is this
In sea mammals, insulated and provides buoyancy (float)
How are lipids metabolic sources of water
When oxidised in respiration they are converted to CO2 and H2O. It is important for survival in dry habitats
General formula of carbohydrates :
Cx (H2O) y
Carbohydrates aka
Hydrates of carbon
Elements in carbs:
C
H
O
What 3 types of carbs
Monosaccharides (1 sugar unit)
Disaccharides
Polysaccharides