Questions and Answers
What is the structure of a triglyceride?
One glycerol molecule joined to three fatty acid molecules by three ester bonds.
What two parts make up a fatty acid molecule?
A carboxyl group (COOH) and a fatty acid tail.
What type of reaction forms a triglyceride molecule?
A condensation reaction.
Which functional group in a glycerol molecule reacts with the carboxyl group of the fatty acid?
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How many water molecules are lost during the formation of a triglyceride?
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Which chemical reaction in living organisms are triglycerides used in?
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What is metabolic water?
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Triglycerides are stored as globules in?
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What type of reaction breaks down triglyceride molecules?
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Is glycerol polar or non-polar?
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Are triglycerides polar or non-polar?
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Triglycerides are ________ in water.
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True/False: The fatty acid tails can be either the same or a mix of different fatty acids.
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What is saturated fat?
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What is unsaturated fat?
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What is monounsaturated fat?
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What is polyunsaturated fat?
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What are the functions of triglycerides?
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What family of enzymes catalyze triglyceride hydrolysis?
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Study Notes
Structure of Triglycerides
- Composed of one glycerol molecule linked to three fatty acid molecules.
- Connections are made via three ester bonds.
Fatty Acid Composition
- Made up of a carboxyl group (COOH) and a fatty acid tail.
Formation of Triglycerides
- Triglycerides are formed through a condensation reaction.
- Hydroxyl groups (OH) in glycerol react with carboxyl groups of fatty acids.
Water Loss during Formation
- Three water molecules are lost when forming a triglyceride.
Role of Triglycerides in Organisms
- Used in respiration as a source of energy.
Metabolic Water
- Water produced during biochemical reactions, particularly from the condensation of triglycerides.
- Generates approximately 110g of water per 100g of fat.
Storage of Triglycerides
- Stored as globules within adipocytes (fat cells).
Breakdown of Triglycerides
- Hydrolysis is the reaction that breaks down triglyceride molecules.
Polarity of Components
- Glycerol is classified as polar.
- Triglycerides are non-polar, making them insoluble in water.
Fatty Acid Variety
- Fatty acid tails in triglycerides can be uniform or a mixture of different types.
Types of Fats
- Saturated fat: Contains no double bonds (C=C).
- Unsaturated fat: Contains at least one double bond.
- Monounsaturated fat: Contains only one double bond.
- Polyunsaturated fat: Contains two or more double bonds.
Functions of Triglycerides
- Serve multiple purposes: energy storage, provide thermal insulation, generate metabolic water, and protect internal organs.
Enzymatic Action on Triglycerides
- Lipases are the enzyme family responsible for catalyzing triglyceride hydrolysis.
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Description
Test your knowledge of triglycerides with these flashcards. Learn about the structure, components, and reactions involved in forming triglycerides. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding of this essential lipid.
