Biology Chapter on Lipids

A diverse group of water-insoluble, oily or greasy substances found in living organisms.

Building blocks of many lipids.

Lipids do not dissolve in water; they require non-polar solvents for extraction.

Lipids are highly concentrated energy stores in the body.

Lipids are crucial parts of cell membranes.

Lipids are diverse molecules soluble in organic solvents. They are a major class of biomolecules, acting as fuel, energy stores, signals, cell membrane components, and vitamin carriers although they do not form polymers.

Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a polar carboxyl group at one end.

Triacylglycerols are lipids that primarily store energy and provide thermal insulation.

Phospholipids are membrane components, detergents, surfactants, and second messengers.

Sterols are building blocks for many important molecules like bile acids, steroids, sex hormones, and vitamin D, and are also found in cell membranes.

Converting unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids by adding hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst.

Adding halogens to unsaturated fatty acids, commonly used to measure unsaturation.

Unsaturated fatty acids reacting with oxygen to form peroxides, epoxides, and aldehydes, leading to rancidity.

Measurement of unsaturation in fats/oils; grams of iodine that saturate 100g lipid.

Spoiled fat due to oxidation, leading to unpleasant taste/smell and potential toxicity.

Fatty acids the body cannot synthesize and must obtain from the diet. Examples include linoleic and linolenic acid.

A 20-carbon unsaturated fatty acid derived from linoleic acid. It can become essential if linoleic acid intake is deficient.

They are components of phospholipids, which form cell membranes. Their specific arrangement helps maintain membrane fluidity and function.

A genetic disorder caused by the inability to break down phytanic acid, a branched-chain fatty acid found in dairy products. It leads to accumulation in the blood and tissues.

Fatty acids with a branched carbon chain, unlike the straight chain structure of most fatty acids. Phytanic acid is an example.