Lecture on Lipid Structure and Function

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to lipid structure and function as outlined in the lecture notes.

Lipid

Water insoluble and amphipathic molecules that play roles in energy storage, cell membranes, signaling, protection, and insulation.

Fatty Acids

Consist of a carboxylic group and a hydrocarbon tail; can be saturated or unsaturated.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain fully reduced methylene groups with no double bonds.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain one or more C=C double bonds; classified as monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.

Omega Fatty Acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids classified based on the position of the first double bond from the terminal methyl group.

Triacylglycerols

Energy storage lipids composed of three fatty acids esterified to glycerol.

Saponification

The process of making soap by the ester hydrolysis of fat with lye (NaOH or KOH).

Glycerophospholipids

Most abundant membrane lipids composed of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group.

Sphingolipids

Membrane lipids consisting of sphingosine and fatty acid; includes sphingomyelin and glycosphingolipids.

Chylomicrons

The largest lipoprotein particles that transport dietary triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters from the intestine.

Cell Membrane

A protective hydrophobic barrier structured as a fluid mosaic model consisting of a phospholipid bilayer and proteins.

Eicosanoids

Signaling molecules derived from arachidonic acid, including prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes.

Hydrogenation

A commercial process that converts unsaturated FA to saturated FA, which can produce trans fats.

Steroid Hormones

Molecules that act as ligands for nuclear receptor proteins, altering the expression of specific genes.

Vitamin D

The 'sunshine' vitamin derived from cholesterol, essential for bone formation and calcium metabolism.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit Cox enzymes involved in the inflammation process.