Lipids Summary

Vocabulary flashcards about lipids, covering definitions, types, and related diseases.

Lipids

Hydrophobic, large molecules without common structural features; not polymers.

Neutral Fats (Triacylglycerol)

Ester of glycerol and fatty acids; found in adipose tissue.

Ester Bond

Bond formed between oxygen and carbon atoms i.e glycerol and fatty acids.

Fatty Acids

May be saturated (single C-C bonds) or unsaturated (double C=C bonds); typically have an even number of carbons.

Fats

Become more hydrophobic the more carbons they have

Saturated Fats

Most animal fats; solid at room temperature; trans-links. hydrogenated

Unsaturated Fats

Liquid at room temperature; bending structure due to double bonds; may protect against cardiovascular disease.

Essential Fatty Acids

Required for growth; examples include Linoleic and Arachidonic acid (ω-6); have anti-inflammatory properties.

Phospholipids

Composed of 2 fatty acids + phosphate attached to glycerol; have hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads; found in all membranes.

Steroids

Lipids characterized by 4 fused rings.

Cholesterol

A steroid; healthy level < 5 mmol/L; may cause atherosclerosis (plaque formation).

Niemann-Pick Disease

Genetically inherited disease; types A and B caused by sphingomyelinase deficiency; type C caused by NPC-1 gene mutation; symptoms include jaundice, large liver, and neurological damage.

Krabbe's Disease

Caused by mutations in GALC genes, resulting in lack of myelin in white matter.