Chapter 3 - Macromolecules: Lipids and Proteins

Lipids

- A diverse group of non polar hydrocarbons

- Are hydrophobic

Functions of lipids include:

- Long term energy storage

- provides insulation

- building blocks for some hormones

- important component of cellular membranes

Types of lipids:

- fats

- oils

- waxes

- phospholipids

- steroids

Fats

Contain 2 main components:

- Glycerol

- Fatty Acids

Triacylglycerol

Formed when joining 3 fatty acids to a glycerol backbone

Ester Linkages

How glycerol molecules are attached to the fatty acids

Saturated Fatty Acids

- Made up of a carbon chain with NO double bonds

- Stearic Acid

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

- Made up of a carbon chain with at least one double bond

- AKA oil at room temp

- Can be in 1 of 2 positions: Cis or Trans Configurations

Monounsaturated fat

1 double bond

Polyunsaturated fat

More than 1 double bond

Cis Configuration

- hydrogens on the SAME side of the chain

- have a kink in the chain

Trans Configuration

- hydrogens on OPPOSITE sides of the chain

- have no kink in the chain

Essential Fatty Acids

Required by our body but out body doesn't produce them so we must consume them in our diet

Phospholipids

A molecule with 2 fatty acids and a modified phosphate group attached to a glycerol backbone

Steroids

- 4 linked carbon rings in a closed ring structure

- are hydrophobic

- are insoluble in water

Protein functions

- Regulatory functions

- Structural functions

- Protective functions

- transportation

- enzymes

- toxins

Enzymes

- catalyst in biochemical reactions

- 3 types: catabolic , anabolic , and catalytic

Catabolic enzymes

enzyme that breakdown substrates

Anabolic enzymes

enzyme that builds more complex structures

Catalytic enzymes

enzymes that affect reaction rates