Lipids and Fatty Acids Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of high density lipoproteins (HDLs) in the body?

  • To transport cholesterol to tissues for cell membrane synthesis
  • To deposit cholesterol in the arteries
  • To provide energy by transporting triacylglycerols to muscles
  • To remove excess cholesterol from tissues and transport it to the liver (correct)
  • Which of the following statements about steroids, particularly adrenal corticosteroids, is correct?

  • They are a type of lipoprotein.
  • They can reduce inflammation and treat conditions like asthma. (correct)
  • They are derived from cholesterol.
  • They are primarily used for energy production.
  • What role do chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) play in lipid transport?

  • They are involved in producing arachidonic acid.
  • They are responsible for removing cholesterol from tissues.
  • They help synthesize bile salts in the liver.
  • They transport triacylglycerols and cholesterol to tissues for storage or energy. (correct)
  • Prostaglandins have various physiological effects. Which of the following functions do they perform?

    <p>They increase blood pressure and stimulate uterine muscle contraction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes lipoproteins?

    <p>They consist of an outer layer of polar proteins and glycerophospholipids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

    <p>To provide strength and reduce flexibility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the main components of a cell membrane?

    <p>Glycerophospholipids and proteins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of proteins extend through the entire lipid bilayer of the cell membrane?

    <p>Integral proteins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which application is lanolin most commonly used?

    <p>In hand and facial lotions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do glycerophospholipids contribute to the structure of the cell membrane?

    <p>By creating a dynamic lipid bilayer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of fatty acids do glycerophospholipids primarily contain?

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

    Which wax is specifically known for its use as a protective coating on furniture and cars?

    <p>Carnauba wax</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between the components of the cell membrane?

    <p>The membrane is dynamic and has a fluid mosaic structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of lipoproteins in the body?

    <p>Transporting lipids through the bloodstream</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about steroid hormones is true?

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

    What effect do prostaglandins have in the body?

    <p>They promote inflammation and pain signaling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are waxes primarily used for in biological systems?

    <p>Protection and waterproofing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key component of cell membranes formed by lipids?

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

    How do saturated and unsaturated fatty acids differ at room temperature?

    <p>Saturated fatty acids are solids; unsaturated are generally liquids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the major functions of bile salts?

    <p>Emulsifying fats to aid digestion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which amino alcohols are typically found in glycerophospholipids?

    <p>Choline, serine, and ethanolamine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of unsaturated fatty acids?

    <p>They cause carbon chains to bend due to cis double bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about triacylglycerols?

    <p>They consist of glycerol and three fatty acids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what type of food sources are saturated fats predominantly found?

    <p>Animal products like meat and dairy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do steroid hormones primarily serve in the body?

    <p>Regulating metabolic processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during hydrogenation of unsaturated fats?

    <p>Double bonds are converted into single bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Lipids

    • Lipids are biomolecules containing fatty acids or a steroid nucleus.
    • They are soluble in organic solvents but not in water.
    • The Greek word "lipos" means "fat".
    • Lipids are extracted from cells using organic solvents.
    • They are grouped according to their chemical composition, and are derivatives of fatty acids.

    Fatty Acids

    • Fatty acids are hydrocarbon derivatives with 4 to 36 carbons.
    • They have ester or amide linkages.
    • Fatty acids (FFAs) are monocarboxylic acids, have an even number of carbon atoms, are saturated or unsaturated, and can be branched or substituted.
    • Examples of saturated fatty acids include lauric acid (12 carbons), myristic acid (14 carbons), palmitic acid (16 carbons), and stearic acid (18 carbons).
    • Sources and melting points for these saturated fatty acids are shown in the provided table.
    • Monounsaturated fatty acids include palmitoleic acid (16 carbons) and oleic acid (18 carbons).
    • Polyunsaturated fatty acids include linoleic acid (18 carbons), linolenic acid (18 carbons), and arachidonic acid (20 carbons).

    Fatty Acids - Physical Properties

    • Saturated fatty acids have a regular pattern of close packing, resulting in a solid state at room temperature.
    • Unsaturated fatty acids contain cis double bonds, causing a bend or kink in the carbon chain, making them liquid oils at room temperature.

    Fats and Oils - Triacylglycerols

    • Triacylglycerols (fats and oils) store fatty acids in the body.
    • Fats are solid at room temperature.
    • Oils are liquid at room temperature and come from plants.
    • Triacylglycerols are triesters of glycerol and fatty acids.
    • Glycerol is a trihydroxy alcohol.
    • Esters bonds link glycerol with fatty acids.
    • Chemical reactions involve similar reactions to alkenes.
    • Hydrogenation adds hydrogen to unsaturated fats, forming saturated fats.
    • Hydrolysis breaks the ester bonds in the presence of strong acids or digestive enzymes called lipases.

    Fats and Oils - Triacylglycerols Reactions

    • Saponification involves heating fat with strong bases (like sodium hydroxide) to form glycerol and soap (sodium salts of fatty acids).

    Glycerophospholipids

    • Glycerophospholipids are similar to triacylglycerols but replace one glycerol hydroxyl group with a phosphoric acid ester and an amino alcohol (bonded through a phosphodiester bond).
    • Amino alcohols in glycerophospholipids include choline, serine, and ethanolamine.
    • Lecithins and cephalins are abundant in brain and nerve tissues, egg yolks, and wheat germ
    • Glycerophospholipids contain both polar and nonpolar regions. They're essential for cell membranes.

    Steroids: Cholesterol, Bile Salts, and Hormones

    • Steroids have a steroid nucleus consisting of three cyclohexane rings and one cyclopentane ring.
    • Cholesterol is an abundant steroid.
    • It's crucial for cellular membranes, myelin sheath, and nerve tissue formation.
    • Cholesterol is found in the liver, bile salts, and skin, where it's involved in Vitamin D formation..
    • Cholesterol is used to synthesize steroid hormones. Steroid hormones and other hormones in adrenal glands also depend on cholesterol.

    Steroids: Bile Salts

    • Bile salts aid digestion of fats and oils by emulsifying them.
    • Bile salts mix with water-insoluble fats and oils in the small intestine. They break down fat into smaller globules, enlarging the surface area that lipases act on.
    • They're synthesized in the liver using cholesterol and stored in the gallbladder.

    Steroids: Steroid Hormones

    • Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate body processes.
    • Steroid hormones are closely related to cholesterol in structure and depend on cholesterol for synthesis.
    • Types include sex hormones (testosterone, androsterone) and adrenocortical hormones (like cortisone, aldosterone).

    Steroids: Adrenal Corticosteroids

    • Adrenal glands on top of kidneys produce corticosteroids.
    • Corticosteroids come in two types:
      • Mineralocorticoids: (like aldosterone) regulate electrolyte and water balance.
      • Glucocorticoids (like cortisone) impact blood glucose and glycogen synthesis.
    • Synthetic corticoids (like prednisone) are used to reduce inflammation.

    Lipoproteins

    • Lipoproteins transport lipids through the bloodstream to tissues.
    • Lipids are nonpolar and need to be made more soluble for transport.
    • Lipoproteins form water-soluble complexes by combining lipids with proteins and phospholipids. 
    • Lipoproteins are spherical particles with a polar exterior composed of proteins and phospholipids.  They have a nonpolar core of triacylglycerols and cholesteryl esters. 
    • Chylomicrons, VLDLs, LDLs, and HDLs have different densities, compositions, and roles.
      • LDLs (low-density lipoproteins) carry cholesterol to tissues, excess LDL cholesterol is a concern.
      • HDLs (high-density lipoproteins) carry cholesterol from tissues to the liver for removal.  HDLs are important because they remove excess cholesterol from body tissues.

    Prostaglandins

    • Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances produced in small amounts in most cells and also known as eicosanoids.
    • They are derived from arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid.
    • Prostaglandins have many potent physiological effects, like regulating blood pressure and influencing smooth muscle contractions (e.g. uterine muscles).
    • They impact inflammation and generate pain sensations.

    Waxes

    • Waxes are esters of a saturated fatty acid and a long-chain alcohol.
    • They provide a protective coating for plants (e.g. on fruits, leaves, stems) and animals (e.g., fur, skin, feathers).
    • Examples include beeswax, carnauba wax, jojoba wax, and lanolin.

    Cell Membrane

    • Cell membranes separate the cell's interior from the external environment.
    • They're semipermeable, allowing nutrients to enter and waste products to leave.
    • The main component is a lipid bilayer (two layers of glycerophospholipids).
    • Hydrophobic tails face inwards, and hydrophilic heads face outwards (in contact with the surrounding environment inside and outside the cell).
    • Cell membranes also include proteins (peripheral and integral) carbohydrates, and cholesterol which helps regulate flexibility and also provide stability.
    • Transport processes occur through the membrane

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    Lipids PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the essential concepts of lipids and fatty acids, including their definitions, chemical compositions, and classifications. Explore the properties of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and understand their significance in biological systems.

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