BIO Triglycerides

What type of fatty acid contains no double bonds between its carbon atoms?

Saturated fatty acid

Which fat is typically liquid at room temperature?

Olive oil (an example of an unsaturated fat)

What is a characteristic that is NOT generally true of lipids?

Water soluble (hydrophilic)

What monomers form a triglyceride?

Glycerol and 3 fatty acids

What type of reaction forms a triglyceride and releases 3 molecules of water?

Dehydration synthesis

How does the energy content of fat compare to carbohydrates and proteins?

Fat has about 2X as many calories per gram

What characterizes a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)?

Contains 2 or more double bonds

How are trans fats created?

Through a commercial process called hydrogenation

What type of fats are usually found in animal products?

Saturated fats

What do unsaturated fatty acids contain?

One or more double bonds

Where are mono- and polyunsaturated fats commonly found?

In plant oils like corn oil and olive oil

What connects glycerol and fatty acids in a triglyceride?

An ester bond

What does hydrolysis of a triglyceride produce?

Glycerol and fatty acids

What is the three-carbon backbone molecule of a triglyceride?

Glycerol

What is the energy content of one gram of fat?

Approximately 9 kCal

What is the typical structure of a saturated fatty acid?

Straight hydrocarbon chain that packs tightly together

What is the typical structure of a polyunsaturated fatty acid?

Chain is typically very kinked due to multiple double bonds

Classify avocado in terms of fat type.

Unsaturated (US)

Classify butter in terms of fat type.

Saturated (S)

What is the reaction that occurs when a triglyceride is broken down?

Hydrolysis

What is the general structure of lipids?

Lipids contain large chains of non-polar hydrocarbons, making them hydrophobic and insoluble in water.

What are the primary functions of lipids?

Lipids serve as a major structural component of cells and are a significant source of energy storage due to the high energy content of C-H bonds.

What are the monomers of triglycerides?

Triglycerides are composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.

How do triglycerides form?

Triglycerides form through a dehydration synthesis reaction involving 1 glycerol and 3 fatty acids, producing 1 triglyceride and 3 water molecules.

How do triglycerides compare to carbohydrates and proteins in terms of energy content?

Triglycerides contain twice as many calories per gram as carbohydrates and proteins.

What distinguishes unhealthy triglycerides from healthy ones?

Unhealthy triglycerides are typically produced by animals and contain saturated fatty acids, while healthy triglycerides often come from plant sources and contain unsaturated fatty acids.

What is the significance of double bonds in fatty acids?

Fatty acids with double bonds are considered unsaturated and are generally healthier than saturated fatty acids, which lack double bonds.