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

Protozoa, what are characteristics of protozoa?

what are characteristics of protozoa?

Physical and physiological changes - geriatric nutrition, Define Physical a...

Define Physical and Physiological Changes? Every stage has its unique requirements due to different changing needs. With respect to nutrition and health, four different basic a

Explain the use and care of microscope, Explain the Use and Care of Microsc...

Explain the Use and Care of Microscope? Proper care and maintenance of microscope is needed. Following points should be kept in mind while handling the microscope: (i) Instr

What is Ailing Implant, What is Ailing Implant Ailing Implant : An impl...

What is Ailing Implant Ailing Implant : An implant which may indicate an increased risk for failure, which can be of temporary significance or amenable to treatment and is gene

What is meant by the substrates of enzymatic reactions, Q. What is meant by...

Q. What is meant by the substrates of enzymatic reactions? The Substrates are reagent molecules upon which enzymes act. The enzyme has spatial binding sites for the attachmen

What is the elimination of the sliding clamp, Which of the following result...

Which of the following results from the elimination of the sliding clamp? A. DNA polymerase will no longer be processive and will fall off the double helix after synthesizing

Explain about cerebral hemispheres, How is it structurally explained that t...

How is it structurally explained that the motor activity of the left side of the body is controlled by the right cerebral hemisphere and the motor activity of the right side of the

Antibody structure, Antibody Structure: An antibody molecule consist of...

Antibody Structure: An antibody molecule consist of two alike light chains ( 220  amino acids each) ad two similar heavy chains (about  440-450  amino acids each) held together

Difference between the exocrine and endocrine gland, Q. What is the differe...

Q. What is the difference between the exocrine gland and the endocrine gland? Endocrine gland is a gland whose secretions are called as hormones that are collected by the blood

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