Polymers of Life - Lipids Flashcards

Study Notes

Lipids

Lipids are commonly known as "fats" or "oils," serving essential biological roles.

Glycerol

Glycerol, a 3-carbon molecule, acts as the backbone for lipid formation.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are long, carbon-based molecules crucial for constructing lipids alongside glycerol.

Phosphate Group

Phosphate groups consist of a phosphorus atom at their core and are key components of certain lipids.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are lipids made from three fatty acids and one glycerol, primarily used for lipid storage.

Phospholipids

Phospholipids consist of two fatty acids, one glycerol, and one phosphate group, essential for building cell membranes.

Lipid Structure

Fatty acids have a distinct structure with an organic acid "head" and a long carbon-based "tail" which dictates their functional properties.

Chemical Bonds

Chemical bonds in fatty acids can be single or double; double bonds are considered "stronger."

Saturated Fatty Acids

Saturated fatty acids are characterized by entirely single bonds in their tails, commonly found in animal fats; cocoa butter is derived from coconuts.

Mono-unsaturated Acids

Mono-unsaturated fatty acids contain one double bond within the tail, with the remainder being single bonds, primarily sourced from plants and some fish.

Poly-unsaturated Fats

Poly-unsaturated fatty acids have two or more double bonds in their structures, predominantly sourced from plants and certain fish.

Trans-fats

Trans-fats are a type of mono-unsaturated fatty acid with a straight tail due to specific hydrogen atom placements, which are typically unhealthy.

Cis-fats

Cis-fats have a similar chemical structure to trans-fats but exhibit bent tails due to the positioning of hydrogen atoms, generally regarded as healthier.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol, a lipid with a long tail and four interconnected carbon rings, plays a vital role in cell membrane construction, existing in both "good" and "bad" forms within the bloodstream.

Description

Explore the fundamental components of lipids with these flashcards. Each card provides definitions of key terms such as lipids, glycerol, and fatty acids, making it an essential study tool for understanding lipid structure and function. Perfect for students of biology or anyone interested in the molecular building blocks of life.