1.5 Lipids

main elements of lipids

C,H,O

structure of lipids

hydrophobic, made mostly of hydrocarbons —> non polar covalent bonds

3 most important lipids

fats, phospholipids, steroids

fats are constructed from what 2 smaller molecules

glycerol and fatty acids

glycerol structure

three carbon alcohol, hydroxyl attached to each carbon

fatty acid structure

carboxyl group attached to long carbon skeleton

function of fats

long term energy storage

type of bonds in fats

ester bond joins 3 fatty acids —→ triglyceride

characteristics of saturated fatty acids

-straight chains

-no double bonds

-pack tight together

-solid at room temp

ex.butter

characteristics of unsaturated fatty acids

-one or more double bonds

-kinks in chain —> prevent packing together

-liquid at room temp.

ex.avocado

trans fats

unsaturated fats converted to saturated fats by adding hydrogen

structure of phospholipid

2 fatty acids and phosphate group are attached to glycerol

-fatty acid tails = hydrophobic

-phosphate group = hydrophilic

-bilayer (major component of cell membranes)

structure of steroids

carbon skeleton consisting of four fused rings

characteristics/functions of cholesterol (steroid)

-animal cell membranes

-precursor to sex hormones

-cardiovascular disease