Lipids

What are lipids?

Lipids are an important macromolicules also known as fat.

Functions of lipids

There are 5 main functions fo lipids

1) Long term energy storage

            Unlike carbs which gives your body quick energy, Lipids provide your body with long term energy storage

2) Internal and external insulation

            lipids help keep the outside of your body warm, as well as your organs

3) Protections of organs

            lipids add a layer of cushioning to protect your organs

4) Building plasma/cell membranes

        Phospholipids (a type of lipid) help form cell membranes

5) Water proofing

        Phospolipids have polar heads, meaning they deflect water in cell membranes

Tryclycerides

What are tryclycerides?

Tryclycerides are a type of lipid made up of

1 glycerol

3 fatty acid chains

Phospholipids

What are phospholipids?

a type of lipid made up of

1 glycerol

2 fatty acid chains

There are components of a phospholipid

1) Phosphate group (head)

2) fatty acid chain ( tails)

3) glycerol (backbone)

The head of the phospholipid is polar, and the tail it non polar, making phospholipids amphipathic. This means it has both polar and nonpolar sections.

How do phos. make cell membranes?

Phospholipids form together to make cell membranes. When they form together, The heads face the outside of the cell and the tails face the inside of the cell.

The heads create a barrier, and control what enters or leaves the cell.

Since the heads are hydrophobic, they face the outside and protect the tails from the water.

Saturated and Unsaturated fatty acids

Whats the difference?

Saturated fatty acids

• are solid at room temp

• Have single c-c bonds

• contain the max amount of hydrogen

Unsaturated fatty acids

• Are liquid at room temp

• have double c=c bonds

• have less hydrogen because of the double bonds