Lipids and Fatty Acids

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to lipids, fatty acids, and their functions in the body for exam preparation.

Lipids

Macronutrients that include fats and oils, which are substances that are insoluble in water.

Triglyceride

A type of fat formed from one glycerol molecule joined with three fatty acids.

Fatty Acids

Long carbon chains with a methyl group (CH3) at one end and a carboxyl group (COOH) at the other.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids where each carbon atom is saturated with hydrogen and contains no double bonds.

Monounsaturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid that contains one double bond and is usually liquid at room temperature.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid

Fatty acids that contain two or more double bonds and are generally liquid at room temperature.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

Fatty acids that cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained through diet.

Three essential fatty acids

• Linoleic Acid

• Linolenic Acid

• Arachidonic Acid

Source where Linoleic Acid is found?

Corn oil

Source of Linolenic Acid?

Vegetable oil

Source of Arachidonic Acid ?

Animal fat

Sources of essential fatty acids

• Nuts

• Seeds

• Olive oil

• Oily fish

Functions of essential fatty acids

• Build the cell membrane

• Counteract the hardening affect of cholesterol in the arteries

• Help prevent CHD

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids with a double bond between the third and fourth carbon atoms.

Omega 3 fatty acids are also known as?

• EPA (eicosapentanoic acids)

• DHA (docosahexaenoic acids)

EPA

Eicosapentanoic acids

DHA

Docosahexaenoic acids

Sources of Omega 3 fatty acids

Nuts

Oily fish

Seeds

Supplements

Soya beans

Functions of Omega 3 fatty acids

Reduces risk of heart attack, strokes, circulatory disease and formation of blood cloth

Increase HDL cholesterol levels

Healthy brain activity

Cis Fatty Acids

Fatty acids where hydrogen atoms are on the same side of the double bond, generally beneficial to health.

Trans Fatty Acids

Fatty acids where hydrogen atoms are on opposite sides of the double bond, generally harmful to health.

Digestion of Lipids

The process involving the liver and pancreas that breaks down lipids into glycerol and fatty acids.

Absorption of Lipids

The process where digested lipids are absorbed into the lymph system and then into the bloodstream.

Utilisation of Lipids

The oxidation of lipids in the liver and muscles to produce heat, energy, and form cell membranes.

Caloric Value of Lipids

Lipids provide approximately 9 kilocalories per gram, making them a dense source of energy.

Carboxyl Group

The functional group (-COOH) found at the end of fatty acids.

Hydroxyl Group

The functional group (-OH) found in glycerol.