Lipids Flashcards
How are triglycerides formed?
They are formed by the combination of one glycerol molecule and three molecules of fatty acids.
How are the fatty acids joined to the glycerol?
Through condensation reactions where by 3 molecules of water are removed and ester bonds form
What is a saturated fatty acid?
A fatty acid that only has single carbon-carbon bonds, with all the carbon atoms linked to the maximum number of hydrogen bonds.
What state are saturated fatty acids usually and how is this useful?
Solid at body temperature, useful for storage in mammals
What is an unsaturated fatty acid?
A fatty acid that contain one or more double carbon-carbon bonds and have kinks in their structure
What is the issue with the kinks in unsaturated fatty acids?
They can not align uniformly
What state are unsaturated fatty acids usually and how is this useful?
They are usually oils (liquid) at room temperature
What is a fatty acid called if it has a singular double carbon-carbon bond?
Mono-saturated
What is a fatty acid called if it has more than one double carbon-carbon bond?
Poly-saturated
Where can phospholipds be found and what are their roles?
2
- In biological membranes
- Electrical insulation on the myelin sheath that surrounds the axon
Where can Triglycerides be found and what are their roles?
4
- Energy reserves in animals and plants
- Thermal insulation = when stored under the skin lipids insulate against heat loss
- Protection = stored around delicate internal organs e.g kidney
Metabolic water = Water released in chemical reactions in the body (Triglycerides produce alot of metabolic water when oxidised )
Where can waxes be found and what are their roles?
Waterproofing = exoskeletons and cuticles of plants
What is it called when fatty deposits build up in the coronary arteries?
Atherosclerosis
What is high blood called?
Hypertension
What can contribute to heart disease?
4
- Diet High in saturated fats
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Ageing
