General Biochemistry: Lipid Chemistry

Flashcards for reviewing lipid chemistry, covering lipid classification, fatty acids, triglycerides, and glycerophospholipids.

Lipids

A heterogeneous group of biomolecules that are hydrophobic and typically extracted from tissues with organic solvents.

Classes of Lipid Molecules

Fatty acids, triglycerides (triacylglycerols), glycerophospholipids (phosphoglycerides), sphingolipids, waxes, terpenes, steroid hormones, cholesterol, and vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Fatty Acids

Carboxylic acids with long-chain hydrocarbon (C12 to C24) side groups.

Saturated Fatty Acids

No double bonds; e.g., stearic acid.

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids

One double bond; e.g., oleic acid.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Multiple double bonds; e.g., linoleic acid, linolenic acid.

Saturated Fatty Acids (molecular properties)

Flexible molecules, typically solids at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids (molecular properties)

Usually conformationally restricted to the cis-configuration, typically liquids (oils) at room temperature.

Triglycerides (Triacylglycerols)

Fatty acid triesters of glycerol.

Functions of Triacylglycerols

Storage for energy reserves in adipocytes in adipose tissues and as thermal insulation.

Basic Feature of Glycerophospholipids

Glycerol with two fatty acids and a phosphate group attached.

Examples of side groups attachable to the phosphate group of Glycerophospholipids

Choline, ethanolamine, serine, glycerol, inositol

Glycerophospholipids (function)

Basic chemical components of all membranes.