1.3 Lipids

• 3 types of lipids

  • triglycerides
  • phospholipids
  • steroids
• structure of triglycerides

  1 glycerol and 3 fatty acids
• condensation reaction occurs, releasing a water molecule and forming ester bonds
• 2 types of fatty acids

  • saturated
  • unsaturated
• saturated- no carbon to carbon double bonds and all carbon atoms are bonded with hydrogen atoms
• unsaturated- one or more carbon to carbon double bonds
• triglycerides are non-polar because of their long hydrocarbon chains. This means they are insoluble in water
• Functions of triglycerides

  • long term energy storage
  • insulation
  • protection of organs
  • waterproofing
• structure of phospholipids

  1 glycerol, 2 fatty acids and 1 phosphate
• Phospholipids have

  • a polar hydrophilic head which interacts with water
  • non polar hydrophobic tails, don’t interact with water
• Functions of phospholipid

  • main component of plasma membrane
  • and cell membranes
• Functions of lipids

  • Energy store
  • Insulation
  • Buoyancy
  • Protection
  • Hormones
  • Solvent
  • Nervous functions- insulates nerve cells
  • Plasma membranes- phospholipid bilayer