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

What are social dangers, Members belonging to the scientific community fear...

Members belonging to the scientific community fear the misuse of this therapy leading to dangerous consequences.  People may try to insert the desired gene, for example, the gene f

Open water zone - lake ecosystem, Open Water Zone - Lake Ecosystem Thi...

Open Water Zone - Lake Ecosystem This extends beyond the littoral zone and is too deep for light to penetrate till the bottom and for rooted plants to grow. This zone is divid

Explain type 2 diabetes mellitus, Q. Explain Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? ...

Q. Explain Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? It is the most common form of diabetes accounting for 90-95% of patients with diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was previously called as N

Morphological changes - floral induction, Morphological Changes - Floral In...

Morphological Changes - Floral Induction Some of the morphological changes that accompany floral induction are: Change in the shape of meristem, Increase in the ra

Ecg, Sinus tachycardia is common. ECG abnormalities may reflect the underly...

Sinus tachycardia is common. ECG abnormalities may reflect the underlying coronary artery disease by way of pathological Q-waves, ST-T wave abnormalities. Left ventricular hypertro

State the concept of finger tapping, State the concept of Finger Tapping ...

State the concept of Finger Tapping The subject is asked to tap his or her extended index finger on a typewriter key attached to a mechanical counter. Several series of 10-seco

Define absorption, Define Absorption, Storage and Elimination of cyanocobal...

Define Absorption, Storage and Elimination of cyanocobalamin? Vitamin B 12 in food is bound to proteins and is only released by the action of a high 'Concentration of hydroch

Blood pressure, An adequate level of pressure is needed in the arteries to ...

An adequate level of pressure is needed in the arteries to keep the blood flowing through the cardiovascular system. The chief determinant of arterial pressure is the volume of blo

Explain some handy points related to infant feeding, Explain some Handy Poi...

Explain some Handy Points related to Infant Feeding? Points to be kept in mind: • Introduce only one food at a time, giving only small amounts at first • Increase variety s

Alpha helix and the beta-sheet protein, What is the difference between the ...

What is the difference between the alpha helix and the beta-sheet protein conformations? Ans) Alpha helix and beta-sheet conformations are the two major types of secondary struc

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