Lipids

Flashcards covering key concepts related to lipids, their properties, classifications, and biological significance.

Lipids

A loosely defined term for substances of biological origin that are soluble in nonpolar solvents.

Fatty Acids

Long chain carboxylic acids that occur naturally as even-numbered chains.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that have no double bonds in their chain.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain at least one double bond in their chain.

Phosphoglycerides

Esters of glycerol-3-phosphate and fatty acids with a polar head group.

Glycerides

Esters of glycerol with fatty acids, including monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides.

Cholesterol

A sterol that modulates membrane fluidity and is synthesized from squalene.

Steroids

Molecules characterized by a fused ring structure, including hormones like testosterone and cortisol.

Lipoproteins

Complexes that transport lipids in aqueous solutions, categorized by density.

Micelles

Aggregates formed by phospholipids in which they create a spherical structure with hydrophobic tails inward.

Cell Membranes

Structures formed by lipid bilayers that contain phospholipids and proteins.

Prostaglandins

Signal molecules derived from arachidonic acid that play roles in inflammation and other physiological processes.

Sphingolipids

Non-glyceride lipids derived from sphingosine that play roles in cell membrane structure and signaling.

Arachidonic Acid

A polyunsaturated fatty acid that serves as a precursor for prostaglandins.

Eicosanoids

Bioactive lipids derived from fatty acids such as arachidonic acid, influencing various biological responses.

Hydrophobic

A property that describes molecules that do not mix well with water.

Emulsifier

A substance that helps mix two immiscible liquids, like fats and water.

Saponification

The process of hydrolyzing fats and oils to produce soap.

Triglycerides

The main form of lipid stored in fat cells, consisting of glycerol and three fatty acids.

Hormones

Signaling molecules that regulate physiological processes in organisms.

Membrane Fluidity

The viscosity of the lipid bilayer that can be influenced by temperature and saturation of fatty acids.

Micelles and bilayers

Structures formed by amphipathic lipids in aqueous environments to protect hydrophobic tails.