12B Fatty Acids

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to fatty acids, their properties, structures, and biological significance as discussed in the lecture.

Fatty Acids

Carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains, typically containing 12-24 carbons.

Cis-double bonds

Double bonds in fatty acids that result in a 30° kink in the hydrocarbon chain.

Stearate

The common name for n-Octadecanoate, a saturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms.

Oleate

The common name for cis-9-Octadecanoate, an unsaturated fatty acid with one double bond.

n-Octadecanoate

Another name for Stearate, indicating it has 18 carbons and no double bonds.

Linolenate

The name given to 9,12,15-Octadecanoate, indicating a polyunsaturated fatty acid.

ω3 fatty acid

A classification for certain fatty acids that have a double bond three carbons from the end of the chain.

Trans fat

A type of fat formed when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil, such as Elaidate found in hydrogenated oils.

Triacylglycerol

A type of fat molecule composed of a glycerol backbone and three fatty acid tails.

Melting Point of Laurate

44.2 °C, representing the temperature at which Laurate (12:0) melts.

Melting Point of Myristate

53.9 °C, representing the temperature at which Myristate (14:0) melts.

Melting Point of Palmitate

63.1 °C, representing the temperature at which Palmitate (16:0) melts.

Melting Point of Stearate

69.6 °C, representing the temperature at which Stearate (18:0) melts.

Hydrocarbon Chains

The long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms that affect the properties of fatty acids.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that do not contain double bonds; typically have higher melting points.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain one or more double bonds, usually lower in melting points.

Properties of Fatty Acids

Characterized by their chain length and degree of saturation, which influence biological roles.

Glycerol

A three-carbon molecule that forms the backbone of triglycerides and many lipids.

Fatty Acid Tails

The long hydrocarbon chains attached to glycerol in lipids, providing energy storage.

Polar Head Groups

The hydrophilic parts of lipids that interact with water, opposite of fatty acid tails.

Biological Lipids

Molecules made from fatty acids and glycerol, serving various functions in cells.