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

Define the term - soil heterogeneity, Define the term - soil heterogeneity ...

Define the term - soil heterogeneity The ratings seem rather arbitrary and empirical but are meant to get a reasonable yield. Outputs for different doses of fertilizers are obt

Structure of the sperm, Structure of the Sperm The spermatozoa in dif...

Structure of the Sperm The spermatozoa in different animal groups display a wide variety of shapes and sizes but all share a. basic morphological plan. The sperm in most anim

What does liquescence digestive enzyme do, What does Liquescence digestive ...

What does Liquescence digestive enzyme do? It helps to normalize the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract

Pathophysiology of leukemia, Pathophysiology   Leukocytes develop fiom ...

Pathophysiology   Leukocytes develop fiom stem cells located in the bone marrow. During  leukocyte maturation, cells become committed  to specific cell types and develop  throu

Explain percutaneous interventions, Q. Explain Percutaneous Interventions ...

Q. Explain Percutaneous Interventions Over the last two decades, significant strides have been made in the field of Balloon Valvuloplasties both in terms of technique as well a

Evolution, describe the two scientific models for evolution (gradualism, pu...

describe the two scientific models for evolution (gradualism, punctuated equilibrium)

How are gametes formed in the pteridophyte life cycle, How are gametes form...

How are gametes formed in the pteridophyte life cycle, by mitosis or meiosis? What is the type of meiosis that occurs in pteridophytes? In pteridophytes gametes are made by mit

Find the temperature in different parts of the cell, A group working at the...

A group working at the University of California, Berkeley has developed "nanothermometers," little nanoparticles that can be injected into cells to measure the temperature in vario

Environment and health- impact of air and water pollution, Environment and ...

Environment and Health- Impact of Air and Water Pollution Environment includes a host of factors of which air and water are the two major components. Air pollution is caused b

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

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