part 4- Lipids

Lipids

A category of macromolecules that includes fats, oils, cholesterol, and phospholipids.

Triglycerides

Lipids composed of three fatty acid tails linked to a glycerol molecule.

Glycerol

A carbohydrate that serves as the backbone for triglycerides, linking fatty acids through ester linkages.

Fatty Acid

A chain of carbon atoms flanked by hydrogen, with a carboxyl group at one end.

Saturated Fats

Fats with no double bonds between carbon atoms, resulting in a full complement of hydrogen atoms.

Unsaturated Fats

Fats that contain one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, resulting in fewer hydrogen atoms.

Ester Linkage

The covalent bond formed between a glycerol and fatty acids in a triglyceride.

Phospholipids

Lipids similar to triglycerides but with two fatty acids and a polar phosphate group, forming cell membranes.

Amphipathic

Molecules that possess both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts.

Steroids

A category of lipids characterized by a four-carbon ring structure, functioning mainly as signaling molecules.

Cholesterol

A type of steroid that is a key component in the formation of hormones and cell membranes.

Lipid Bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that forms the basic structure of cell membranes.

Micelle

A spherical structure formed by fatty acids in water that resembles the behavior of phospholipids.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A description of the cell membrane structure, emphasizing fluidity and a mosaic of various molecules embedded within.

Aquaporin

A type of protein that facilitates the transport of water across cell membranes.

Cis Double Bond

A type of double bond in unsaturated fats that creates a bend in the fatty acid chain.

Trans Double Bond

A double bond formed through industrial processes that can make unsaturated fats solid at room temperature.

Calorically Dense

Referring to lipids being high in energy content, providing more calories per gram than carbohydrates or proteins.

Hormones

Chemical signaling molecules produced by glands that regulate various functions in the body.

Semi-permeable Membrane

A membrane that allows certain molecules to pass while blocking others.

Protein Channels

Proteins embedded in the cell membrane that facilitate the movement of specific molecules across the membrane.