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Biochemistry of Triacylglycerols and Phosphoglycerols
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Biochemistry of Triacylglycerols and Phosphoglycerols

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Questions and Answers

What are triacylglycerols primarily composed of?

  • Phosphoric acid and glycerol
  • Three glycerol molecules
  • Two fatty acids and an amino acid
  • Three fatty acids and glycerol (correct)
  • Where does the breakdown of dietary triacylglycerols occur?

  • Adipose tissue
  • Lumen of the intestine (correct)
  • Stomach
  • Liver
  • What type of fatty acid is typically found at the number 1 carbon of phosphatidic acid?

  • Essential fatty acid
  • Saturated fatty acid (correct)
  • Trans fatty acid
  • Unsaturated fatty acid
  • Which of the following is a derivative of phosphoglycerol?

    <p>Phosphatidyl choline</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of chylomicrons in lipid metabolism?

    <p>Transport triacylglycerols to adipocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many fatty acids are linked to glycerol in phosphatidic acid?

    <p>Two</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically found at position 2 in the phosphoglycerol structure?

    <p>Unsaturated fatty acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component distinguishes phosphoglycerols from triacylglycerols?

    <p>Presence of phosphate group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phosphoglycerol derivative carries both a positive charge and a negative charge at physiological pH?

    <p>Phosphatidyl serine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of amine function does phosphatidyl choline contain?

    <p>Quaternary amine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the presence of a polyunsaturated fatty acid at position 2 of phosphatidyl choline have?

    <p>Increases membrane fluidity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between sphingolipids and phosphoglycerides?

    <p>Sphingosine replaces glycerol in sphingolipids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of compound is the alcohol in phosphatidyl inositol?

    <p>Polyhydroxy compound</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the membrane when it is composed solely of saturated fatty acid derivatives?

    <p>Acts poorly in supporting membrane proteins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the alcohol derivative in phosphatidyl ethanolamine behave at physiological pH?

    <p>It is positively charged</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component does sphingomyelin have that is similar to phosphatidyl choline?

    <p>Phosphate group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do bile salts play in lipid digestion?

    <p>They break down large lipid particles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following steroid hormones is derived from cholesterol?

    <p>Progesterone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary precursor for prostaglandin synthesis?

    <p>Arachidonic acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) affect prostaglandins?

    <p>They inhibit reactions of prostaglandins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structures do free fatty acids and detergents form in water?

    <p>Monolayers or micelles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of phospholipid bilayers?

    <p>They have a hydrophobic core.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which fatty acids are essential for synthesizing arachidonic acid?

    <p>Linoleic and linolenic acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the structure of a micelle?

    <p>A spherical monolayer with polar groups facing outwards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What configuration do the double bonds in naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids typically have?

    <p>Cis configuration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following contributes to the liquid nature of membrane bilayers?

    <p>Unsaturated fatty acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of the commercial hydrogenation of oils containing unsaturated fats?

    <p>Formation of trans fatty acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the saturation level of fats generally differ between plant oils and animal products?

    <p>Animal products have higher saturated fat levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of fatty acid has a zig-zag structure due to its single carbon-carbon bonds?

    <p>Saturated fatty acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What dietary factor is associated with a lower occurrence of coronary artery disease?

    <p>Low intake of saturated fats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the hydrogenation process have on the healthiness of fatty acids?

    <p>Increases their solid state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary role do triacylglycerols serve in the human body?

    <p>Major storage lipids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic that separates lipids from other biological compounds?

    <p>Lipids are highly hydrophobic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do phospholipids play in biological membranes?

    <p>They form bilayers and closed vesicles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which lipid is crucial for maintaining the fluidity of mammalian membranes?

    <p>Cholesterol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant feature of lipids in terms of energy storage?

    <p>They release the most energy per gram upon biological oxidation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the solubility of lipids?

    <p>Sparingly soluble in water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What function do bile acids serve in the body?

    <p>Breaking down dietary lipids into micelles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common type of lipid?

    <p>Polysaccharides</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about lipids is true?

    <p>Lipids may exhibit some amphipathic character.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is unique about the amine function in phosphatidyl choline?

    <p>It has a quaternary amine function with a permanent positive charge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phosphoglycerol derivative is known to carry both positive and negative charges at physiological pH?

    <p>Phosphatidyl serine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the presence of a polyunsaturated fatty acid at position 2 of phosphatidyl choline have on its structure?

    <p>It causes the molecule to become kinked.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the polarity of phosphatidyl inositol's alcohol group compare to other phosphoglycerol derivatives?

    <p>It is uncharged and highly polar.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structural element distinguishes sphingolipids from phosphoglycerides?

    <p>Replacement of glycerol with sphingosine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to membrane fluidity when composed of phospholipids with exclusively saturated fatty acids?

    <p>The membrane becomes compact and solid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the hydrocarbon chain play in the structure of sphingomyelin?

    <p>It replaces one hydrocarbon chain provided by sphingosine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the impact of the polyunsaturated fatty acid on the packing of the lipid bilayer?

    <p>It allows for greater fluidity in the bilayer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key function of unsaturated fatty acids in membrane structure?

    <p>They promote the fluid nature of the membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the structure of cerebrosides?

    <p>They include a single monosaccharide unit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does cholesterol contribute to membrane fluidity?

    <p>By interacting with phospholipids to maintain fluidity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What differentiates gangliosides from cerebrosides?

    <p>Gangliosides have more complex carbohydrates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the biochemical origin of polyisoprenoids like vitamin A and β-carotene?

    <p>They originate from isoprene units.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of bile salts?

    <p>They are derived from cholesterol.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way do membrane proteins benefit from the fluid nature of a membrane with unsaturated fatty acids?

    <p>They can diffuse laterally and interact functionally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the unique structure of cholesterol among membrane lipids?

    <p>It contains a perhydrocyclopentanophenanthrene ring structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are carbohydrate polymers primarily attached in membrane-associated proteins?

    <p>To specific amino acids on the protein's surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a hydropathy plot indicate about glycophorin?

    <p>It has one membrane spanning alpha-helix</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of endocytosis in cells?

    <p>Mass transport of larger molecules using a vesicular system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of the hydropathy index indicates the presence of a membrane spanning region?

    <p>Positively average values in sequences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What sequence is often found in extracellular proteins that aids in their secretion?

    <p>N-terminal amino acid sequences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant difficulty associated with analyzing hydrophobic membrane proteins?

    <p>They cannot be readily crystallized</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method of transport primarily allows large molecules to exit cells?

    <p>Specific secretory mechanisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are hydropathy indices averaged in constructing a hydropathy plot?

    <p>By averaging ten amino acids at a time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of triacylglycerols in the body?

    <p>Storage form of energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic is shared by both phosphatidic acid and phosphoglycerols?

    <p>Presence of a phosphate group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which fatty acid positioning is typical in phosphatidic acid?

    <p>First is saturated, second is generally unsaturated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary component that differentiates triacylglycerols from phosphoglycerols?

    <p>Inclusion of a phosphate and alcohol group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which role do chylomicrons primarily serve in lipid metabolism?

    <p>Carrying triacylglycerols through the lymphatic system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the structure of phospholipids?

    <p>They typically include an ionic or polar alcohol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of fatty acids influences the fluidity of membrane bilayers?

    <p>The degree of saturation of the fatty acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes phosphatidyl choline from other phosphoglycerol derivatives?

    <p>The presence of a choline alcohol derivative</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason lipids serve as effective energy storage materials in humans?

    <p>They are highly reduced and release significant energy upon oxidation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic most accurately describes the solubility of lipids?

    <p>Sparingly soluble in water but soluble in non-polar organic solvents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does cholesterol play in biological membranes?

    <p>It enhances the fluidity and stability of the membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'amphipathic character' as it relates to lipids?

    <p>Lipids have regions of both polarity and non-polarity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which function of lipids is essential for their role as hormones?

    <p>They are synthesized in one tissue and exert effects in another.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do phospholipids spontaneously assemble into bilayers when placed in water?

    <p>Their amphipathic nature drives the formation of a stable structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant characteristic of the energy contained in lipids compared to other biological compounds?

    <p>Lipids are more reduced and can potentially release more energy per gram.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the overall diversity of lipids?

    <p>Lipids encompass a wide range of compounds differing in chemical nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of bile salts in lipid digestion?

    <p>To emulsify lipids into smaller particles for enzyme accessibility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following steroid hormones is NOT derived from cholesterol?

    <p>Arachidonic acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do prostaglandins typically function within the body?

    <p>As signaling molecules with localized short-term effects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) concerning prostaglandins?

    <p>To inhibit the metabolism of specific prostaglandins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structures do phospholipids form in aqueous environments?

    <p>Water-filled spherical lipid bilayers known as vesicles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes micelles from lipid bilayers?

    <p>Micelles are spherical aggregates, while bilayers are planar structures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which essential fatty acids are precursors for arachidonic acid?

    <p>Linoleic and linolenic acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structural component differentiates bile salts from common lipids?

    <p>Presence of a polar amino group bound to a lipophilic tail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the alcohol derivative in phosphatidyl ethanolamine at physiological pH?

    <p>It is positively charged.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding the fatty acid composition of phosphatidyl choline?

    <p>At least one fatty acid is polyunsaturated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does phosphatidyl serine differ from phosphatidyl inositol in terms of charge at physiological pH?

    <p>Phosphatidyl serine carries both a positive and a negative charge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unique structural feature distinguishes sphingomyelin from phosphatidyl choline?

    <p>Sphingomyelin contains two hydrocarbon chains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of membrane function, how do sphingolipids compare to phosphoglycerides?

    <p>They serve similar functions in membranes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does a bilayer composed solely of saturated fatty acid derivatives have on membrane properties?

    <p>It results in a compact and solid membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the polarity of phosphatidyl inositol compared to other phosphoglycerol derivatives?

    <p>It is highly polar but uncharged.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do two fatty acid residues in sphingomyelin contribute to its structure?

    <p>They establish its amphipathic nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of integral membrane proteins?

    <p>They predominantly consist of nonpolar amino acids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is required to remove integral membrane proteins from the membrane?

    <p>Use of detergents to solubilize them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes peripheral proteins from integral proteins in terms of their interaction with the membrane?

    <p>Peripheral proteins are attached through noncovalent interactions or covalent bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding the stability of integral proteins post-removal from the membrane?

    <p>They easily aggregate into precipitates without detergents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary function of the calcium-ATPase integral membrane protein?

    <p>It transports calcium ions across membranes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic does glycophorin share with most integral membrane proteins?

    <p>It possesses an elongated hydrophobic region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can peripheral membrane proteins generally be removed from the membrane compared to integral proteins?

    <p>By mild treatments or enzymatic means.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In an artificial membrane system, what was demonstrated about the function of the calcium-ATPase after purification?

    <p>It could restore calcium transport upon reconstitution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Triacylglycerols

    • Consist of three fatty acids esterified to glycerol.
    • Relatively non-polar molecules.
    • The component fatty acids tend to be highly reduced (saturated).
    • Unsaturated fatty acids are often linked to the number 2 carbon of glycerol.
    • Most dietary and storage lipids occur in the form of triacylglycerols.
    • Dietary triacylglycerols are broken down in the lumen of the intestine.
    • Component fatty acids and monoacylglycerols are taken up into intestinal epithelial cells, where the triacylglycerols are reassembled.
    • Released into the lymph and transported in large lipoprotein complexes (chylomicrons) to adipocyte cells.
    • Taken up and stored in adipocytes until there is a need for extra energy.

    Phosphoglycerols

    • Related to triacylglycerols.
    • Differ in that they have a phosphate residue connected to an alcohol derivative at the number 3 carbon of glycerol.
    • Phosphatidic acid is a precursor to more complex phosphoglycerol compounds.
    • Contains glycerol, two fatty acids, and phosphate but lacks the alcohol residue.
    • The two fatty acids are esterified to glycerol at the number 1 and 2 carbons.
    • The fatty acid at position 1 is usually saturated, whereas the fatty acid at position 2 is often unsaturated.
    • The hydroxyl group at position 3 is connected to the phosphate.
    • Serve as membrane components.
    • Contain two fatty acids, glycerol, phosphate, and an ionic or polar alcohol.
    • Similar to phosphatidic acid, the fatty acid at position 2 is often unsaturated, and the fatty acid at position 1 is usually saturated.
    • Phosphatidyl choline (lecithin) is a common phosphoglycerol derivative.

    Phosphatidyl Ethanolamine and Phosphatidyl Choline

    • Two of the most common phosphoglycerol derivatives.
    • The alcohol derivative in phosphatidyl ethanolamine contains an amine function that is positively charged at physiological pH.
    • The alcohol derivative in phosphatidyl choline has a quaternary amine function, which carries a permanent positive charge that is not affected by changes in pH.

    Phosphatidyl Serine and Phosphatidyl Inositol

    • Two other common phosphoglycerol derivatives.
    • The alcohol group of phosphatidyl serine is one of the 20 common amino acids, carrying both a positive charge (on the amino group) and a negative charge (on the carboxylate group) at physiological pH.
    • The alcohol in phosphatidyl inositol is a polyhydroxy compound, which is highly polar but uncharged.

    Space Filling Model of Phosphatidyl Choline

    • Shows how the occurrence of a polyunsaturated fatty acid at position 2 can cause the molecule to become kinked.
    • In such structures, the two fatty acid residues do not fit closely together, which increases the liquidity of the glycerol phosphate derivative in membrane structures.

    Sphingosine and Sphingomyelin

    • Sphingolipids serve similar membrane functions as phosphoglycerides, but sphingosine replaces glycerol.
    • The sphingosine core provides one hydrocarbon chain, and a long chain fatty acid in amide linkage provides a second hydrocarbon chain.
    • Phosphate and a polar or ionic alcohol make up the remainder of the compound.
    • Sphingomyelin structure is very similar to phosphatidyl choline.
    • Despite appearing different from phosphoglycerols, they are similar in overall structure and function.

    Space Filling Models of Phosphatidyl Choline and Sphingomyelin

    • A comparison of the space filling models of phosphatidyl choline and sphingomyelin reveals that the two structures have very similar dimensions.

    Membrane Bilayer Containing Saturated Fatty Acids

    • Contains only saturated fatty acid derivatives.
    • Such a membrane would be very compact and solid.
    • It would not function well in promoting the activity of membrane-associated proteins.

    Bile Salts

    • Act as biological detergents.
    • Stored in the gall bladder and released when lipids are being digested.
    • Help to break up large lipid particles into smaller particles.
    • This makes ingested triacylglycerol compounds more accessible to lipase enzymes.
    • Glycocholate and taurocholate are two examples of bile salts.

    Steroid Hormones

    • Cholesterol is the parent compound from which a number of steroid hormones are derived.
    • The pathways for hormone synthesis are extensive and complicated.
    • Common steroid hormones derived from cholesterol include progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol.

    Prostaglandins

    • Lipids that are synthesized in complex pathways from the polyunsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid.
    • Arachidonic acid is synthesized from the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids linoleic and linolenic acid.
    • Some prostaglandins have oxygen bridges, epoxides, and other structures not commonly seen in biological compounds.
    • Have hormone-like actions, functioning for short time periods and at short ranges from their site of synthesis.

    Sensitivity of Prostaglandins to NSAIDs

    • Shows how some of the prostaglandins are metabolized.
    • Two reactions shown are inhibited by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen.

    Structures Formed by Detergents and Phospholipids

    • In water, free fatty acids and detergents tend to form monolayers at the air-water interface.
    • They can also form micelles, which are spherical monolayer complexes with the polar carboxyl groups facing the water and the nonpolar side chains in the interior.
    • Under the same aqueous conditions, at the air-water interface, phospholipids can form monolayers or vesicles, which are water-filled spherical lipid bilayers.
    • These vesicles have polar phosphate and alcohol components that interact with water on the interior and exterior faces of the vesicle, and nonpolar hydrocarbon chains that form a hydrophobic core in the middle of the bilayer.

    Micelles and Bilayers

    • Micelles are spherical monolayer complexes.
    • Bilayers are water-filled spherical lipid bilayers.
    • Both structures have polar components facing the water and nonpolar components in the interior.

    Lipids

    • Diversity: Lipids are a diverse class of compounds with non-polar characteristics, making them soluble in non-polar solvents.
    • Key Types: Common lipids include fatty acids, triacylglycerols, phosphoglycerols, sphingolipids, and sterols.
    • Hydrophobicity: All lipids are hydrophobic, making them sparingly soluble in water.
    • Energy Storage: Lipids serve as the major energy storage material in humans, with a typical adult carrying 20-25 pounds of lipids.
    • Membrane Composition: Lipids, particularly phospholipids and cholesterol, are critical components of biological membranes.
    • Hormones: Some lipid derivatives, such as sterols, function as hormones, synthesized in one tissue and triggering biological activity in another.
    • Bile Acids: Other lipid derivatives like bile acids act as detergents, breaking down large lipid complexes into smaller micelles.

    Fatty Acids

    • Saturated Fatty Acids: Linear structure with only single carbon-carbon bonds.
      • Primarily found in animal products.
    • Unsaturated Fatty Acids: Have double bonds in the cis configuration, resulting in kinks or bends.
      • Contribute to the liquid nature of membrane bilayers.
      • Predominantly found in plant oils.
    • Hydrogenation: Commercially hydrogenated oils increase solidity, but can lead to unhealthy trans fats.
      • Trans fats have double bonds in the trans configuration.

    Triacylglycerols

    • Major storage lipids in humans.
    • Composed of glycerol esterified with three fatty acid molecules.

    Phosphoglycerols

    • Key components of cell membranes.
    • Composed of glycerol phosphate esterified with two fatty acids and a polar head group.
    • Phosphatidyl Ethanolamine: Contains an amine function with a positive charge at physiological pH.
    • Phosphatidyl Choline (Lecithin): Contains a quaternary amine function with a permanent positive charge.
    • Phosphatidyl Serine: Contains the amino acid serine, carrying both positive and negative charges at physiological pH.
    • Phosphatidyl Inositol: Contains the polyhydroxy compound inositol, which is polar but uncharged.

    Sphingolipids

    • Similar membrane functions to phosphoglycerides.
    • Use sphingosine instead of glycerol as the backbone.
    • Sphingomyelin: Similar structure to phosphatidyl choline, but with a sphingosine backbone.

    Membrane Bilayers

    • Composed of phospholipids and cholesterol.
    • Fluidity: The presence of unsaturated fatty acids in phospholipids contributes to the fluidity of the membrane, essential for protein interactions.
    • Saturated Fatty Acids: Lead to a more compact and solid membrane.
    • Unsaturated Fatty Acids: Result in a more diffuse and fluid membrane.

    Glycolipids

    • Sphingolipids with a glucose or galactose unit instead of phosphate and choline.
    • Cerebrosides: Widely distributed in brain and nervous tissue.
    • Gangliosides: Have a more complex carbohydrate component.

    Sterols

    • Compounds with a perhydrocyclopentanophenanthrene ring structure.
    • Cholesterol: Essential component of mammalian membranes, contributing to proper fluidity.
    • Precursor: Cholesterol is a precursor for bile acids and steroid hormones.

    Bile Salts

    • Derived from cholesterol.
    • Act as biological detergents, assisting in the digestion of lipids.

    Membrane Proteins

    • Glycophorin: An example of a membrane protein with a hydrophobic, membrane-spanning α-helix structure.
    • Hydropathy Plot: Used to predict the presence of membrane-spanning regions in proteins.

    Transport Mechanisms

    • Endocytosis: Process used for moving large molecules into cells, utilizing vesicles.
    • Secretion: Process for transporting large molecules out of cells.
      • Extracellular proteins are tagged with an N-terminal signal sequence for secretion.

    Lipids

    • Lipids are a diverse group of compounds that share the commonality of being non-polar.
    • They are soluble in non-polar organic solvents but sparingly soluble in water.
    • Lipids are the most reduced biological polymers and release the most energy per gram upon oxidation.
    • Lipids typically exhibit some amphipathic character, meaning they have polar regions to offset their non-polar nature.

    Functions of Lipids

    • Energy storage: Lipids are the major energy storage material in humans.
    • Membrane component: Lipids are critical constituents of biological membranes.
    • Hormones: Lipid derivatives, specifically sterols, act as hormones.
    • Biological detergents: Other lipid derivatives, such as bile acids, function as biological detergents, helping break down large lipid complexes into smaller micelles.

    Triacylglycerols

    • Triacylglycerols consist of three fatty acids esterified to glycerol.
    • They are relatively non-polar molecules and the component fatty acids tend to be highly reduced (saturated).
    • Dietary triacylglycerols are broken down in the intestine and reassembled in intestinal epithelial cells.
    • They are then transported in lipoprotein complexes (chylomicrons) to adipocytes for storage.

    Phosphatidic Acid

    • Phosphatidic acid is a precursor to more complex phosphoglycerol compounds.
    • It contains glycerol, two fatty acids, and phosphate, but lacks the alcohol residue.
    • The fatty acid at position 1 is usually saturated, while the fatty acid at position 2 is often unsaturated.
    • The hydroxyl group at position 3 is connected to the phosphate.

    Phosphoglycerols

    • Phosphoglycerols serve as membrane components.
    • They contain two fatty acids, glycerol, phosphate, and an ionic or polar alcohol.
    • Phosphatidyl choline (lecithin) is a common phosphoglycerol derivative.
    • The presence of a polyunsaturated fatty acid at position 2 can cause the molecule to become kinked, increasing membrane fluidity.

    Sphingolipids

    • Sphingolipids are similar in function to phosphoglycerides but have sphingosine instead of glycerol.
    • Sphingosine provides one hydrocarbon chain, and a long chain fatty acid in amide linkage provides a second hydrocarbon chain.
    • Sphingomyelin is a common sphingolipid.

    Sterols

    • Cholesterol is the parent compound for a number of steroid hormones.
    • Common steroid hormones derived from cholesterol include progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol.

    Prostaglandins

    • Prostaglandins are synthesized from the polyunsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid.
    • They have hormone-like actions and function for short periods and at short ranges from their site of synthesis.
    • Some prostaglandin metabolism reactions are inhibited by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aspirin and Ibuprofen.

    Membrane Structure

    • Free fatty acids and detergents form monolayers or micelles in water.
    • Phospholipids form monolayers, vesicles, or bilayers in water.
    • Bilayers have polar phosphate and alcohol components interacting with water on the interior and exterior faces, and a hydrophobic core formed by nonpolar hydrocarbon chains.

    Membrane Proteins

    • Integral membrane proteins are embedded in the nonpolar interior of the membrane and have a high percentage of nonpolar amino acids.
    • Peripheral membrane proteins are attached to the outer faces of the membrane by various interactions.
    • Integral proteins are difficult to remove from the membrane and require detergents for release.
    • Peripheral proteins can be removed with mild treatments like high salt or enzymatic cleavage.

    Glycophorin

    • Glycophorin is an example of an integral membrane protein.
    • It has a single membrane-spanning α-helix that is highly hydrophobic.
    • The portion outside of the cell membrane has mostly hydrophilic amino acids and is water-soluble.

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    Explore the fascinating world of triacylglycerols and phosphoglycerols in this quiz. Understand their structures, functions, and roles in dietary and storage lipid metabolism. Test your knowledge on how these lipids are processed in the body and their importance in energy storage.

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