Genbio 3 Q2

Lipids

Biomolecules that are hydrophobic or amphipathic, energy-rich, non-polymeric, and soluble in organic solvents but not in water.

Triglycerides

Energy-storage lipids that can be saturated or unsaturated; provide insulation, protection, and metabolic water.

Saturated Triglycerides

Triglycerides with no double bonds; solid at room temperature; sources include butter, lard, coconut oil, and beef fat.

Unsaturated Triglycerides

Triglycerides with one or more double bonds; liquid at room temperature; sources include olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and fish oil.

Saturated Fats

Primarily from animal products and some tropical oils; solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fats

Primarily from plants and fish; liquid at room temperature; include cis and trans fats.

Cis Fats

Unsaturated fats with hydrogen atoms on the same side of the double bond, creating a kink; generally healthy; found in plant oils and fish.

Trans Fats

Unsaturated fats with hydrogen atoms on opposite sides of the double bond, making the chain straight; mostly artificial; unhealthy and raise bad cholesterol.

Phospholipid

Fatty-acid-based lipids forming the cell membrane bilayer with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Phospholipid Functions

Regulate membrane permeability, absorb fat, help in the electron transport chain, transport cholesterol, and form structural components with proteins.

Glycerophospholipid

Major type of phospholipid with a glycerol backbone.

Sphingophospholipid

Phospholipids with a sphingosine backbone; important in myelin and nervous tissue.

Steroids

Lipids with four fused carbon rings; hydrophobic, lipophilic, stable, and function as signaling molecules or hormones.

Steroid Functions

Act as cholesterol in membranes and as hormones in metabolism, inflammation, electrolyte balance, and reproduction.

Sterols

Steroid subgroup including cholesterol that integrates into membranes.

Bile Acids

Steroid derivatives that help digest fats.

Sex Hormones

Steroid hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone) that regulate reproduction.

Anabolic Steroids

Synthetic variants of sex hormones used to build muscle.

Corticosteroids

Steroid hormones that regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress.

Cholesterol

A sterol found in cell membranes; essential for stability and a precursor for hormones.

Cortisol

A steroid hormone from adrenal glands, called the “stress hormone.”

Waxes

Long-chain lipid esters of fatty acids and alcohols; highly hydrophobic, solid at room temperature, and function as protective waterproofing barriers.