LIPIDS

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to lipids, including types of fatty acids, lipid digestion, absorption, transport, and their biological functions in the body.

Fatty Acids

The most abundant lipids in the human body, comprised of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.

Triglycerides

A primary dietary lipid composed of 1 glycerol and 3 fatty acids bound together via ester linkages.

Phospholipids

Lipids composed of 1 glycerol and 2 fatty acids with a phosphate-containing polar head group, making them amphipathic.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms, usually solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, typically liquid at room temperature.

Cis Fatty Acids

Unsaturated fatty acids with hydrogen atoms positioned on the same side of the double bond, causing a bend.

Trans Fatty Acids

Unsaturated fatty acids with hydrogen atoms positioned on opposite sides of the double bond, resulting in no bending.

Lipoproteins

Complexes that transport lipids in the circulation, including Chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, and HDL.

Chylomicrons

Lipoproteins that transport diet-derived lipids from the small intestine via the lymphatic system.

High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL)

Lipoproteins that help remove cholesterol and carry it back to the liver; known as 'good' cholesterol.

Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL)

Lipoproteins that transport cholesterol and can deposit it in blood vessel walls; known as 'bad' cholesterol.

Lipid Digestion

The process that begins in the mouth, continues in the stomach, and is completed in the small intestine with the help of bile and enzymes.

Fat Absorption

The process where monoglycerides and free fatty acids are re-esterified into triglycerides within enterocytes and packed into chylomicrons.

Eicosanoids

Signaling molecules produced from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, playing critical roles in inflammation and other physiological functions.

Energy Reservoirs

The body's ability to store energy in fat, providing more energy (9 kcal per gram) compared to carbohydrates.

Insulation and Protection

Functions of lipids that involve protecting internal organs and maintaining body temperature.

Amphipathic Molecules

Molecules, like phospholipids, that have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties.