LEARNING GUIDE 06 MAJOR CLASSES OF BIOMOLECULES: LIPIDS

Flashcards about the structures, functions, and classification of lipids.

Lipids

A diverse group of macromolecules that are not polymers, characterized by their inability to dissolve in water but are easily dissolved in organic solvents.

Lipids Composition

Consist mainly of hydrocarbons and are rich sources of energy, yielding more than twice as much energy as carbohydrates.

Functions of Lipids

Energy storage in mammalian adipose cells, cushioning of vital organs, integral to the structure of plasma membranes, and act as precursors to important reproductive hormones.

Fatty Acids

The simplest lipids that shape components of more complex lipids. They are mostly linear and contain a carboxylate group and a hydrocarbon chain, typically with 4-36 carbons.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with only single bonds in their tails, having the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible, resulting in straight chains.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with one or more double bonds between the carbons in the tail, creating a kink in its shape.

Simple Lipids

Tri-esters of fatty acids and glycerol, including fats (triacylglycerols or triglycerides), oils (fats in the liquid state), and waxes (esters of fatty acids with monohydrated alcohols).

Fats (Triacylglycerols or Triglycerides)

Major form of fatty acid storage, formed by the joining of three fatty acids to a glycerol backbone in a dehydration reaction.

Oils

Fats in the liquid state under normal conditions.

Waxes

Esters of fatty acids with monohydrated alcohols (long-chain alcohols) of higher molecular weight but not glycerol.

Glycerides

Lipids whose principal function is energy storage; also referred to as fats.

Triglyceride Molecule

Composed of three fatty acids connected to glycerol.