Triglycerides and Fatty Acids

A study set containing essential questions and answers about triglycerides and fatty acids based on lecture notes.

What are lipids commonly referred to as?

Fats and oils.

What are the three main categories of lipids?

Triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols.

Which organic solvents can lipids dissolve in?

Chloroform, benzene, and ether.

What is the primary fat stored in the body?

Triglycerides.

What is the structure of a triglyceride?

Three fatty acids bonded to one glycerol.

What process forms a triglyceride?

Esterification.

What happens during hydrolysis of triglycerides?

Fatty acids are released from glycerol.

What do you call fatty acids that are unattached to glycerol?

Free fatty acids.

What is the bond between a fatty acid and glycerol called?

Ester bond.

What are diglycerides and monoglycerides?

Diglycerides have two fatty acids bonded to glycerol; monoglycerides have one.

What is re-esterification?

The process of reattaching a fatty acid to glycerol.

What is triacylglyceride another name for?

Triglyceride.

What is the basic structure of free fatty acids?

Long chains of carbon atoms linked together, surrounded by hydrogen atoms.

How can fatty acids vary?

By number of carbons, saturation level, and shape of the chain.

What is a saturated fatty acid?

A fatty acid with no carbon-carbon double bonds.

What do we call a fatty acid with two or more double bonds?

Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA).

How do cis and trans fatty acids differ in shape?

Cis fatty acids are bent; trans fatty acids are straight.

What is a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)?

A fatty acid with one double bond in the carbon chain.

What is the process called that adds hydrogen to unsaturated fats?

Hydrogenation.

How do saturated fats contribute to the physical state at room temperature?

They pack tightly and are often solid at room temperature.

What are the effects of unsaturated fats on physical state at room temperature?

They usually remain liquid due to loose packing.

What are essential fatty acids?

Fatty acids that must be obtained through diet.

Which two polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered essential for humans?

Alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid.

What is the omega system for naming fatty acids based on?

The location of the first double bond from the methyl end of the fatty acid.

What does the delta system indicate in fatty acids?

The location of all double bonds relative to the carboxyl end of the chain.

What is a long-chain fatty acid classified as?

Having 12 or more carbon atoms.

What are sources of omega-3 fatty acids?

Cold-water fish, walnuts, and flaxseed.

What is a key characteristic of trans fatty acids created through hydrogenation?

They have a straighter shape than cis fatty acids.

What happens to unsaturated fats when they undergo hydrogenation?

They become more saturated and increasingly solid.

Why do some foods have no trans fats listed on the packaging?

They contain 0.5 gram or less of trans fats.

How much fat do fruits and vegetables typically contain?

They are generally low in fat, except for coconuts and avocados.

What is the significance of the number of carbon atoms in fatty acids?

It influences the fatty acid's type, properties, and digestibility.

What are two examples of medium-chain fatty acids?

Coconut oil and palm kernel oil.

What distinguishes saturated from unsaturated fats?

The presence of double bonds between carbon atoms.

What are eicosanoids?

Hormone-like compounds affecting body functions locally.

What governmental organization has banned trans fats in food?

The FDA.

Why do lipids not dissolve in water?

They are hydrophobic and insoluble in water.

What is a hydroxyl group?

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH).

What are two common sources of saturated fatty acids?

Animal fats and tropical oils.

What role do fatty acids play in nutrition?

They provide energy, support cell function, and are essential for bodily functions.

What can excessive consumption of trans fats lead to?

Increased risk of heart disease.

What are the two types of omega fatty acids?

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

What is the impact of chain length on fatty acid digestion?

Shorter chains are digested more rapidly than longer chains.

What form do most unprocessed unsaturated fatty acids take?

Cis form.

How do the physical properties of fats change with carbon chain length?

Shorter chains make fats softer or liquid at room temperature.

Why do saturated fatty acids have more hydrogen atoms?

Because they have no double bonds, allowing for maximum hydrogen saturation.

What is the importance of the shape of fatty acids?

It affects the fat’s physical state and health implications.

What is the effect of trans fatty acids on health?

They negatively impact cholesterol levels and heart health.

What are the dietary sources of linoleic acid?

Vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds.

Why is it important to include essential fatty acids in your diet?

They are crucial for heart health and overall bodily functions.

What is the most common type of triglyceride?

Triacylglyceride.

What is a key characteristic of short-chain fatty acids?

They are rapidly digested and absorbed.

How do trans fats affect the texture of food products?

They contribute to firmness and shelf stability.

What is another term for free fatty acids?

Unattached fatty acids.

How can the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids benefit health?

They reduce inflammation and promote heart health.