Key Terms Flashcards
(166 cards)
Oil
A lipid that is liquid at room temperature
Lipid
Organic molecule that is relatively insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents
Fat
A type of lipid that is solid at room temperature
Fatty Acid
A type of lipid consisting of a chain of carbons with a methyl (CH3) group on one end and a carboxyl acid group (COOH) on the other. A fatty acid can either be a “free” fatty acid, or can be attached to another molecule
“Free” Fatty Acid
A fatty acid that is not attached to another molecule
alpha end
The end of a fatty acid, which consists of (COOH)
Delta end
Another name for the alpha (COOH) end
Omega End
The end of the fatty acid chain, which consist of (CH3) group
Chain Length
the number of C in a fatty acid’s backbone
Short-chain FA
s
Medium chain FA
8-12 C’s
Long chain FA
> 12 C’s
Saturated FA
A FA that consists only C-C single bonds
Unsaturated FA
A FA that consist at least one C=C
Monounsaturated FA
Consists of one C=C
Polyunsaturated FA
FA that consist of more than 1 C=C
Lauric Acid
A medium chain FA believed to contribute to increase HDL levels. Increases serum blood cholesterol more than any other FA
Myristic Acid
common saturated FA found in nutmeg butter, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, and butter fat.
Palmitic Acid
Most common saturated FA found in plants and animals. Consumption is believed to increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.
Stearic Acid
saturated FA that contains an 18C chain and is currently believed to lower LDL cholesterol
Oleic Acid
a naturally-cooking unsaturated FA that is thought to decrease LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol
Cis double bond
A C-C double bond in which the H’s are located on opposite sides of the double bonds
Trans double bond
A C=C in which H’s are located on the same side of the double bond
Elaidic Acid
A primary trans FA found in hydrogenated vegetable oils, goat and cow’s milk, and some meats. Responsible for lowering HDL cholesterol.