Triglycerides and Fats

Flashcards focused on key vocabulary and definitions related to triglycerides, fats, and their structures.

Triglycerides

A type of fat (lipid) found in your blood, comprised of glycerol and three fatty acids.

Saturated Fat

A fat with no double bonds between carbon atoms, typically solid at room temperature, such as butter.

Unsaturated Fat

A fat containing one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, typically liquid at room temperature.

Polyunsaturated Fat

A type of unsaturated fat with multiple double bonds in its chemical structure.

Monounsaturated Fat

An unsaturated fat with only one double bond in its chemical structure.

Cis Configuration

A type of double bond configuration where the carbon chains are on the same side, causing a bend in the fat molecule.

Trans Configuration

A configuration of double bonds in fats where the carbon chains are on opposite sides, resulting in a straighter structure.

Trans Fats

Unsaturated fats that have been hydrogenated, often considered unhealthy and not typically found in nature.

Hydrogens in Carbon Chains

The assumption that carbons form four covalent bonds, hence if there are fewer bonds with other carbon atoms, the remaining bonds are with hydrogen.

Double Bonds

Covalent bonds involving two pairs of electrons between atoms, affecting the fat's structure and properties.