Lipids

Lipids

Organic compounds containing C, H, and O, generally with fewer O atoms than carbohydrates; hydrophobic and non-polar due to abundant C-H bonds.

Functions of lipids

Store energy, provide insulation and protection, and play roles in cell membranes.

Triglycerides

Lipids made of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids linked by ester linkages.

Saturated fatty acid

A fatty acid where carbon atoms are saturated with hydrogen, typically solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated fatty acid

A fatty acid that contains C=C double bonds, allowing it to bond with more hydrogens, typically liquid at room temperature.

Phospholipids

Lipids that form the cell membrane, composed of fatty acid tails, a glycerol molecule, and a phosphate group.

Ester linkage

The bond formed between the hydroxyl group on glycerol and the carboxyl group on a fatty acid in triglycerides.

Triglyceride Synthesis

The process where three fatty acids bond to glycerol through dehydration synthesis to form triglycerides.

Steroids

Type of lipid made of four carbon rings; cholesterol is a key example, important in the nervous system and cell membrane.

Waxes

Lipids composed of long carbon chains, examples include beeswax and earwax.

Hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads

In phospholipids, the tails are non-polar and face each other, while the heads are polar and face the aqueous environment.