Lipids, Membranes, & Cells

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to lipids, their types, structures, and functions, as discussed in the lecture.

Lipids

Biologically important molecules that include fats, steroids, and phospholipids, involved in energy storage, cell membranes, and signaling.

Fats

Type of lipid made of glycerol and three fatty acids, mainly serving as long-term energy storage.

Saturated Fats

Fats that are solid at room temperature, typically derived from animal sources.

Unsaturated Fats

Fats that are liquid at room temperature, usually coming from plants or fish.

Trans Fats

Unsaturated fats that have been hydrogenated to become solid, generally harmful to health.

Steroids

A type of lipid characterized by a carbon skeleton with four fused rings, includes cholesterol and hormones.

Phospholipids

Lipids that consist of a phosphate group, two fatty acids, and glycerol; essential for forming cell membranes.

Amphipathic

Describes molecules like phospholipids that have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties.

Glycerol

A three-carbon alcohol that forms the backbone of fats and phospholipids.

Fatty Acids

Long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group; building blocks of fats and lipids.

Ester Linkages

The chemical bonds formed between glycerol and fatty acids in fat molecules through dehydration reactions.