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

Predict whether narrowing or widening of the blood vessels, Body temperatur...

Body temperature is homeostatic ally regulated around a set point. Given your knowledge of negative feedback and homeostatic control system, predict whether narrowing or widening o

Procaryotes to eucaryotes, PROCARYOTES TO EUCARYOTES Procaryotes are th...

PROCARYOTES TO EUCARYOTES Procaryotes are the simple, unicellular organisms which do not have well defined nucleus, whereas eucaryotes are the complex;multicellular organisms w

Pathphysiology of rheumatic fever, Pathphysiology Streptococcal upper ...

Pathphysiology Streptococcal upper respiratory infection leads to production of antibodies. An abnormal immunological response to the upper respiratory infection with Beta- h

Assessment of rheumatic fever, Assessment 1. Assess the past and prese...

Assessment 1. Assess the past and present history of illness, sore throat, rheumatic fever and treatment received previously.  2. Family history of rheumatic fever. 3. S

Lateral and the apical buds of the plants, What is the dissimilarity betwee...

What is the dissimilarity between the lateral and the apical buds of the plants? The Lateral buds are portions of meristematic tissue located in the base of the shoots. The Api

Define rheology and syneresis, Define Rheology and syneresis Rheology:...

Define Rheology and syneresis Rheology:   the science of the deformation and flow of matter. It is the branch of physics concerned with the flow and change of shape of matter,

Management of hypertension, Q. Management of hypertension? the manageme...

Q. Management of hypertension? the management of hypertension, angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. It must be clear to you that some aspects of dietary management may di

What are symptoms found in patients with hyperthroidism, What are some sign...

What are some signs and symptoms found in patients with hyperthyroidism? The hormones made by the thyroid gland stimulate the basal metabolism of the body. In hyperthyroidism t

Name the nitrogenous waste excreted in the larval, What benefit does the se...

What benefit does the sea anemone get in the sea anemone-hermit crab facultative mutualism? Give an alternative term for this part of mutualism. Name the nitrogenous wast

Copper - mineral elements, COPPER It is a trace element which is availa...

COPPER It is a trace element which is available in most of the fruits. Maximum in heart, brain, kidney & crustaceans. By its deficiency monkin's disease is caused. Cop

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