The Fascinating World of Lipids

Lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.

Lipids are hydrophobic and do not dissolve in water.

The hydrophobic nature of lipids plays a key role in determining their function in the cell.

<p>Lipids are considered energy storage molecules because they contain many energy-rich C-H bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lipids store energy in hydrocarbon chains, but it is less accessible to cells compared to energy from carbohydrates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The basic structure of a phospholipid is similar to that of a triglyceride, but the phosphate group replaces the third fatty acid in a phospholipid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The R group in a phospholipid is a group of atoms that carries in composition and is attached to the phosphate group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A phospholipid has a polar (hydrophilic) head and a non-polar (hydrophobic) tail. This dual character is essential for its function in living organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phospholipids form a lipid bilayer in aqueous environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The hydrophilic heads of phospholipids face the aqueous solution on either side of the lipid bilayer, while the hydrophobic tails form the interior of the bilayer. This arrangement allows cell membranes to separate the aqueous extracellular fluid from the interior of the cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers