Lipids - CK12 1.13 Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering lipid structure, types, functions, and health impacts from the CK12 biology transcript.

Lipids

Molecules that organisms primarily use to store energy.

Monomer of a Lipid Polymer

Fatty acids + glycerol.

Saturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid in which carbon atoms are bonded to as many hydrogen atoms as possible, forming a straight chain that is tightly packed, solid at room temperature, and typically used by animals to store energy.

Unsaturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid in which carbon atoms bind to other groups of atoms instead of as many hydrogen atoms as possible, forming a bent chain that is not tightly packed, liquid at room temperature, and typically used by plants to store energy.

Triglycerides

The main form of stored energy in animals.

Phospholipids

The major components of cell membranes.

Steroids

Lipids that serve as chemical messengers and have other roles.

Lipid Energy Yield

The energy capacity of lipids, where one gram supplies more than $2\times$ as much energy as a gram of carbohydrates or proteins.

Risks of Excess Lipid Consumption

Unhealthy weight gain and increased lipid levels in the blood, which can cause cardiovascular disease.