Membrane Lipids (Fats)

Phospholipids function

Main constitute of all Cell membranes

Which part of the phospholipid is hydrophilic (water -loving)?

The head

What charge does the hydrophilic region carry?

negative charge

Is the hydrophilic head polar or non polar?

Polar

Is the hydrophilic head soluble in water?

Yes

Which part of the phospholipid is hydrophobic (water-fearing)?

the two tails (long fatty acid chains)

Are the hydrophobic tails polar or non polar?

nonpolar

Are the hydrophobic tails soluble in water?

NO

Charge of the long fatty acid chains that make that portion of the molecule hydrophobic

Uncharged

The subunit molecules (or monomers) that join to form a phospholipid are ____, _____, ______, ______ and ______

glycerol, 2 fatty acids, phosphate, and R group (alcohol)

Which monomers are representing in the “head” (2)

Alcohol R group & phosphate

Which monomers are representing in the “tails” (2)

2 fatty acids

glycerol

What is so significant about the lipids in the cell walls of the bacteria that cause TB and Leprosy (Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae)

They have a high content of mycolic acid which is a WAXY LIPID. This repels ordinary lab stains so it does not stain well with Gram staining