triglycerides

what is a triglyceride made up of?

one molecule of glycerol & three fatty acids

how are the three fatty acids attached to the glycerol?

ester bonds

what reaction is required in the formation of a triglyceride?

condensation reaction

how many molecules of water does the condensation reaction release?

3 molecules

the breakdown of triglycerides occurs through which reaction?

hydrolysis

what are saturated fatty acids?

fatty acids containing only single bonds between carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain

where can saturated fatty acids be found?

animal fats such as butter and lard

what state of matter are saturated fatty acids in at room temp and why?

solid due to closely packed molecules

what are unsaturated fatty acids?

hydrocarbon chains that contain one or multiple double C=C bonds

where can unsaturated fatty acids be found?

plant oils such as sunflower oil and olive oil

what state of matter are unsaturated fatty acids in at room temp and why?

liquid because the double bonds create kinks in the hydrocarbon chain which prevents tight packing between the phospholipids

what are the functions and uses of triglycerides?

• energy storage

• waterproofing

• insulation

• protection

• buoyancy

how can triglycerides be used as energy storage?

triglycerides have a high ratio of C-H bonds which makes them excellent energy stores. they also provide more energy per gram than carbohydrates.

how are triglycerides used in waterproofing?

they are insoluble in water (hydrophobic) so do not affect water potential and do not affect osmosis in cells

examples of triglycerides being used for waterproofing?

waxy cuticles of plants and insect exoskeletons

how are triglycerides used in insulation?

they act as thermal insulators in mammals and provide electrical insulation around nerve cells

example of triglycerides being used as insulation?

blubber in whales

how can triglycerides be used as protection?

they can be stored around vital organs to provide mechanical protection such as kidneys.

how can triglycerides be used in buoyancy?

triglycerides are less dense than water so they help aquatic animals such as seals and whales to stay afloat.