5.2: The Chemist's View of Phospholipids and Sterols

What percentage of lipids in the diet are made up of phospholipids and sterols?

5%

The best known phospholipid is __________.

Lecithin

In the chemical structure of phospholipids, 1 glycerol and __________ are occupied by fatty acids.

2/3 attachments

The __________ group makes phospholipids soluble in water.

hydrophilic phosphate

Emulsifiers such as phospholipids are used in the food industry to __________.

mix fats with water

Rich sources of lecithin include eggs, liver, soybeans, __________, and peanuts.

wheat germ

Phospholipids help fat-soluble substances pass easily in and out of __________.

cells

The most well-known sterol is __________.

cholesterol

Vitamin D is synthesized from __________.

cholesterol

Foods derived from __________ contain significant amounts of sterols.

animals

What is the term for 'good' cholesterol?

Refers to the way the body transports cholesterol in the blood.

Plant sterols are structurally similar to __________.

cholesterol

Plant sterols interfere with cholesterol __________.

absorption

Cholesterol serves as a starting material for the synthesis of important body compounds, including bile acids and __________.

sex hormones

What is endogenous cholesterol?

Cholesterol that is made in the body.

The liver manufactures cholesterol from fragments of __________, protein, and fat.

carbohydrate

What harmful effect can occur when cholesterol accumulates in artery walls?

Formation of plaque leading to atherosclerosis.

How much cholesterol does the liver make per day?

800-1500 mg

Exogenous cholesterol refers to cholesterol from __________.

outside the body.

Phospholipids keep fats suspended in the __________ and body fluids.

blood

Sterols in foods are found in significant amounts in meats, eggs, seafood, poultry, and __________ products.

dairy