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

Ascitic fluid collection - specimen collection, Pleural, Pericardial, and A...

Pleural, Pericardial, and Ascitic fluid Collection:      The procedure is called paracentesis . If for pleural cavity is called thoracocentesis , and for pericardial cavity c

#title. Principles of Biology, Does greater light 80 cm instead of 20 cm p...

Does greater light 80 cm instead of 20 cm produce more photosynthesis on plants? Why or why not

Explain precautions for estimation of reducing sugar, Explain Precautions f...

Explain Precautions for Estimation of Reducing Sugar by Fehling Soxhlet Method? 1. Clamp the burette so that the tip of the burette is exactly above the mouth of the conical fl

Explain disease jet lag, Jet Lag   Disturbance of body and environmental...

Jet Lag   Disturbance of body and environmental rhythms resulting from a rapid change in time zones gives rise to jet lag, which is characterized by insomnia, decreased quality

Control of soil pollution, Following steps must be taken: Domestic an...

Following steps must be taken: Domestic and industrial garbage should be profitably utilized. Compost pits and installation of Gobar-gas plant in rural areas must be encourag

Why do some trees lose their green color in the autumn, Why do some trees l...

Why do some trees lose their green color in the autumn? In autumn days become shorter and nights longer therefore there is a reduction of the photosynthesis rate and some plant

Define needle selection for suturing, Define Needle selection for Suturing ...

Define Needle selection for Suturing 1. Needle with a reverse cutting edge "the cutting edge is outside the curve" is preferable, because it prevents tearing, 2. Conventiona

Explain about the civil law, Explain about the civil law. Civil law: ...

Explain about the civil law. Civil law: This region of the law explains the rights and obligations of persons. This resolves any disputes occurring between persons over t

Discuss in detail about the human brain, Discuss in detail about the human ...

Discuss in detail about the human brain  "wiring-up" of our brain begins in early development. When our genetic blueprint largely drives this wiring in womb, a newborn baby's b

Name the two hormones produced by the pancreas, Name the two hormones produ...

Name the two hormones produced by the pancreas and say (a) in what circumstances, (b) in what way, they adjust the glucose concentration in 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