Fats and lipids, Biology

Assignment Help:

 

  • Composed of C, H and O (fewer polar OH bonds than carbohydrates)
  • Can be used at energy storage, components of cell membranes, chemical signals & thermal insulation
    • Are a more efficient energy source then carbohydrates
  • 4 families à fats (triglycerides), phospholipids, steroids & waxes

Triglycerides

                                                                                                        2331_fats and lipids.png

Triglycerides - An ester of 3 fatty acids + a glycerol molecule
Glycerol - a 3 carbon alcohol with 3 hydroxyl groups
Fatty Acid - a long-chain carboxylic acid

  • Fatty acids can be saturated of unsaturated and usually even numbered (16 or 18)
    • Saturated -> In animals                                                                                                                                                 Long straight chains and can rotate freely on the glycerol backbone

                      Can be packed tightly together à solids

               o  Unsaturated ->in plants

                        Cannot rotate freely and have kinks in their chain (due to 'cis' & 'trans' shapes from the double bond)

                        Cannot be packed closer together à liquids

Phospholipids

  • Glycerol + 2 fatty acids
  • Has hydrophobic tails and a hydrophilic head

Steroids

  • Hydrophobic molecules with 4 fused hydrocarbon rings (e.g. cholesterol, vitamin D, bile salts)

Waxes

  • Lipids containing long chain fatty acids linked to alcohols or carbon rings
  • Hydrophobic

 


Related Discussions:- Fats and lipids

Explain some features of aspergillus, Explain some Features of Aspergillus?...

Explain some Features of Aspergillus? The identifying features include: 1. Macroscopically Aspergillus colonies are powdery and are of different colours like green, blue, bl

Explain the process of nuclear reorganization, Process of nuclear reorganiz...

Process of nuclear reorganization in protozoa in which nucleus divides, each half undergoes a maturation, and two persisting functional nuclei reunite is termed as: a) Autogamy

Briefly explain about phase of the plasmodium life cycle, Q. To which phase...

Q. To which phase of the plasmodium life cycle do the typical chills and fever of malaria correspond? The typical fever and chills episodes of malaria correspond to the phase w

Water absorption in digestive system of mammals and bird, Q. Compared to ma...

Q. Compared to mammals do birds absorb more or less water in their digestive system? Why is this phenomenon an adaptation to flight? Bird feces are more liquid than mammal a fe

Excreation, What is the excreatory organ in agama lizard

What is the excreatory organ in agama lizard

Define procedure for detection of chalk in flour, Define Procedure for Dete...

Define Procedure for Detection of Chalk in Flour Carry out the experiment following the procedure given herewith: 1. Take a teaspoon of flour in a test tube and shake it wit

Condition type of change to be transmitted to the offspring, What are the s...

What are the situations in which the environment can alter the genotype of an individual? What is the condition for this type of change to be transmitted to the offspring? The

Water pollutants - water pollution, Water Pollutants - Water Pollution ...

Water Pollutants - Water Pollution Water pollution can occur on account of any one or more of the following agents: 1. Biological: Pathogens such as virus, bacteria,

The luria-nebraska neuropsychological battery, The luria-nebraska neuropsyc...

The luria-nebraska neuropsychological battery This procedure was first reported in 1978 in the form of two initial validity studies. Historically, Chirstensen, a student of the

Amphibians, respiratory system in amphibains

respiratory system in amphibains

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd