Review of Lipids and Their Classification

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions relating to lipids and their classifications, helping reinforce understanding of the lecture content.

Lipid

An organic compound found in living organisms that is insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar organic solvents.

Triacylglycerol

A type of energy-storage lipid formed from glycerol and three fatty acids.

Phospholipid

A lipid containing one or more fatty acids, a phosphate group, and a platform molecule to which the fatty acid(s) and phosphate group are attached.

Fatty Acid

Naturally occurring monocarboxylic acids with linear carbon chains, classified as saturated or unsaturated.

Saturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid with only single bonds between carbon atoms.

Unsaturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid with one or more double bonds between carbon atoms.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid

An unsaturated fatty acid with its endmost double bond three carbon atoms away from its methyl end.

Omega-6 Fatty Acid

An unsaturated fatty acid with its endmost double bond six carbon atoms away from its methyl end.

Cholesterol

A vital steroid molecule that is part of cell membranes and is a precursor for other steroid-based lipids.

Essential Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained from the diet.

Trans Fats

Unsaturated fats that have been hydrogenated, resulting in health risks.

Hydrogenation

The process of adding hydrogen across carbon-carbon multiple bonds to increase saturation.

Saponification

A hydrolysis reaction that occurs in a basic solution, breaking down lipids into glycerol and fatty acids.

Hydrolysis

The process of breaking down triacylglycerols into diacylglycerol and monoacylglycerol by water.

Glycerophospholipid

A class of phospholipids that contain two fatty acids and a phosphate group esterified to glycerol.

Sphingolipid

A type of phospholipid built on a sphingosine backbone, significant in nerve cell membranes.

Eicosanoids

Signaling molecules made from fatty acids that are involved in inflammatory responses.

Membrane Lipids

Lipids that form the structure of cell membranes, primarily consisting of phospholipids.

Active Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Passive Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically driven by concentration gradients.