Lipids

Elements involved

C, H, O, P

Monomers of Lipids

Glycerol and fatty acids

Polymer of Lipids

Does not contain true polymer

Polarity

Nonpolar (hydrophobic)

Types of lipids

Fats, phospholipids, and steroids

Fat

composed of glycerol and 3 fatty acids

fatty acids

long hydrocarbon chains (carboxyl group at one end)

glycerol

classified as an alcohol (hydroxyl groups)

Fats structure

3 fatty acids joined to a glycerol via ester linkage

ester linkage

bond between hydroxyl and carboxyl group

Saturated fatty acids

no double bonds - saturated with hydrogen

Unsaturated fatty acid

contains one or more double bonds

Phospholipids

Major component of cell membranes

Phospholipids structure

two fatty acids attached to glycerol and phosphate assembled as bilayer in H₂O

Polarity of phospholipids

Hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads

Steroids

Four fused rings

Unique groups attached to the ring determine type of steroid

Testosterone