Lipids

Lipids

Insoluble in water, structural in cells, energy reserves, messengers, insulation, and cushioning

Triglycerides

Used for long term energy storage and are three fatty acids attached to each glycerol molecule

Saturated

No double bonds between carbons

Unsaturated

One or more double bonds between carbons

Trans Fats

More straightened out that a cis-fatty acid, and has its hydrogens on the opposite sides of the double bond → increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels

Phospholipids

Make up cell membranes with a polar (hydrophilic phosphate group) head and a nonpolar (hydrophobic - 2 fatty acids) tail

How do phospholipids behave in water?

Polar phosphate “head” near water, and nonpolar fatty acid “tails” overlap and exclude water (amphipathic molecule)

Steroids

Skeletons of 4 fused carbon rings → ex: cholesterol, hormones, and vitamin D

Eicosanoids

Local signaling → essential for blood pressure, childbirth, and inflammation

Waxes

Long chains of fatty acids bonded with a long chain alcohol + are waterproof