Lipids Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing lipids lecture notes, covering triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, and dietary recommendations.

What are the three main classes of lipids?

Triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols

What elements make up triglycerides?

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen

What is the backbone of a triglyceride molecule?

A three-carbon atom glycerol

What are fatty acids?

Chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached

Where is the methyl group located on a fatty acid?

At one end of the carbon chain

How do fatty acids influence food fat properties?

The types and proportions of fatty acids affect sensory and functional properties.

How does carbon chain length vary in fatty acids?

Fatty acids vary in the length of their carbon chain.

What is a long-chain fatty acid?

Contains more than 12 carbon atoms

What does it mean for a fatty acid to be 'saturated'?

All carbon atoms have four single bonds each

What is an unsaturated fatty acid?

It does not have all the hydrogen atoms it can potentially hold

What are the two types of unsaturated fatty acids?

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated

Are saturated fats generally solid or liquid at room temperature?

Solid

Why are saturated fats considered 'bad' fats?

They raise blood cholesterol levels

Are unsaturated fats generally solid or liquid at room temperature?

Liquid

What is the predominant fat in olive oil?

Monounsaturated fats

What is the predominant fat in corn oil?

Polyunsaturated fats

Why are unsaturated fats considered 'good' fats?

Lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol

What determines the essentiality of a fatty acid?

Location of the first double bond

What are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?

Unsaturated fatty acids classified by the location of their double bonds

Name an essential n-6 fatty acid.

Linoleic acid

Name an essential n-3 fatty acid.

Alpha-linolenic acid

What are trans fatty acids?

Contain hydrogen atoms in a trans configuration

How do trans fats affect health?

Increase LDL-cholesterol and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

What is the function of phospholipids?

Act as emulsifiers and structural components of cell membranes

What is lecithin?

A well-known phospholipid

Is cholesterol an essential nutrient?

No

What is the primary function of fat in the body?

To fuel the body

How does fat support the absorption of vitamins?

Facilitates the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K

What proportion of consumed fat is absorbed?

About 95%

What is the AMDR for total fat intake?

20% to 35% of total calories for adults