Hydrophobic properties of lipids 🛢️

What do lipids include:

Triglycerides, phospholipids, waxes and steroids

What is unique about lipids

they do not have a single consistent monomer unit

Are lipids hydrophobic or hydrophilic

hydrophobic

How will lipids react when dissolved in water?

aggregate and clump together to minimize the surface area exposed to water

Triglycerides

lipids that consist of one glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acids chains

What is the function of triglycerides

long term energy storage

thermal insulation

Fats

typically solid at room temp

saturated fatty acid chains

Oils

remain liquid at room temperature

unsaturated fatty acids create kinks that prevent tight packing of molecules

Waxes

extremely hydrophobic lipids

high melting points

Structure of waxes

fatty acid linked to an alcohol

Steroids

Lipids with 4 interconnected carbon rings with various functional groups

Functions of steroids

serving as hormones

maintain membrane fluidity

facilitate digestion

Phospholipid

amipathic structure

two fatty acids attached to a phosphate head

How are triglycerides formed?

3 seperate condensation reactions between one glycerol molecule and 3 fatty acid molecule

How do phospholipids form?

3 separate condensation reactions

2 condensation reactions occur between the glycerol molecule and 2 fatty acid molecule

one condensation reaction occurs between glycerol and phosphate group