LIPIDS

A set of flashcards summarizing key terms and concepts related to biological lipids, their structures, functions, and methods of analysis.

Lipids

A structurally diverse group of biomolecules defined by their common chemical property: hydrophobicity.

Triacylglycerols

Fats and oils that serve as energy storage molecules in the body.

Phospholipids

Major structural elements of biological membranes.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids containing one or more double bonds between carbon atoms.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with no double bonds, containing the maximum number of hydrogen atoms.

Hydrophobicity

The property of being water-repelling, characteristic of lipids.

Glycolipids

Lipids with a sugar portion, important constituents of cell membranes.

Lipoproteins

Proteins that incorporate covalently bound lipids, involved in cardiovascular health.

Phosphatidylcholine

A glycerophospholipid commonly known as lecithin, major constituent of membranes.

Micelles

Small, roughly spherical aggregates formed by fatty acids in water.

Vesicles

Spherical structures formed by phospholipid bilayers, acting as proto-cells.

Trans Fats

Uncommon synthetic fats formed during partial hydrogenation, with negative health effects.

Phosphorylation

The addition of phosphate groups to a molecule, increasing water solubility.

Transesterification

A process to analyze fatty acids where fatty acids are released from lipids to form methyl esters.

TAGs (Triacylglycerols)

The most important storage form of fatty acids, composed of three fatty acids linked to glycerol.

Amphipathic

A property of molecules, like glycerophospholipids, that have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts.

Gas-liquid chromatography (GLC)

A method used to separate fatty acid methyl esters based on chain length and saturation.