Structure of triglycerides and phospholipids

• What are triglycerides?

  Fats found in our bodies and food
• What are the components that make up triglycerides?

  Glycerol connected to three fatty acids
• How do triglycerides differ from other types of lipids?

  They consist of glycerol and three fatty acids
• What type of bonds does a saturated fatty acid have?

  Only single carbon-carbon bonds
• What is the typical saturation state of the fatty acids in a phospholipid?

  One is saturated, the other is unsaturated
• How is a fatty acid classified as saturated or unsaturated?

  Based on their carbon bonding
• What do the fatty acids in phospholipids make the other end?

  Hydrophobic (water-fearing)
• What part of the phospholipid repels water?

  The green tails made of fatty acids
• Why are phospholipids described as amphipathic?

  They have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions
• What is the role of the glycerol backbone in a triglyceride?

  It serves as the foundation for fatty acid attachment
• What is the name of the part of the molecule that is repelled by water?

  Hydrophobic tail
• What type of bonds does an unsaturated fatty acid contain?

  At least one double bond between carbons
• How many carbons are in the glycerol backbone of a triglyceride?

  Three carbons
• How does the attachment of fatty acids to glycerol occur in triglycerides?

  Each fatty acid joins at one of glycerol's OH groups
• How are fatty acids attached to the glycerol backbone?

  Via ester bonds at the OH groups
• What role does the cell membrane structure play?

  Provides framework for proteins and molecules
• How does fluidity benefit the cell membrane?

  It allows lateral movement of components
• What are the two types of fatty acids?

  Saturated and unsaturated
• What type of bonds connect fatty acids to glycerol in triglycerides?

  Ester bonds
• What are the key differences between triglycerides and phospholipids?

  • Triglycerides have three fatty acids; phospholipids have two.
  • Triglycerides lack a phosphate group; phospholipids have one.
  • Triglycerides are hydrophobic; phospholipids are amphipathic.
  • Triglycerides primarily store energy; phospholipids form cell membranes.
• What is the general structure of a phospholipid?

  A phospholipid has a similar structure to triglyceride, but with only 2 fatty acids and a phosphate in addition
• What does barrier control in cell membranes regulate?

  Substance movement
• What is the structural base for both phospholipids and triglycerides?

  Glycerol
• What is the nature of phospholipids?

  Amphipathic
• What part of the phospholipid is attracted to water?

  The red head containing a phosphate group
• How many fatty acids are present in triglycerides?

  Three fatty acids
• What is the difference between Interstitial Fluid and Cytosolic Fluid?

  • Interstitial Fluid (Extracellular) is the fluid found between cells
  • Cytosolic Fluid (Intracellular) is the fluid found inside cells
• How do phospholipids compare to triglycerides in terms of structure?

  • Phospholipids have 2 fatty acids; triglycerides have 3.
  • Phospholipids contain a phosphate group; triglycerides do not.
  • Both have a glycerol structure base.
• What is a glycolipid?

  Lipid with carbohydrate attached
• What does hydrophobic mean?

  Water-fearing
• What is the purpose of the cytoskeletal filaments in the cell membrane?

  To provide structural support
• What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

  To regulate fluidity and permeability
• What is a glycoprotein?

  Protein with carbohydrate attached
• If you wanted to study the detailed 3D structure of the cell membrane, which microscope technique would you use?

  Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
• How do the functions of integral membrane proteins and peripheral membrane proteins differ?

  Integral membrane proteins:

  • Embedded within the phospholipid bilayer
  • Involved in transport, signaling, and cell-cell interactions

  
  

  Peripheral membrane proteins:

  • Associated with the surface of the membrane
  • Involved in anchoring the membrane to the cytoskeleton
• Why is the dual nature of phospholipids essential?

  It is crucial for membrane formation
• What orientation do the hydrophobic tails of phospholipids have in the bilayer?

  They point inward
• What orientation do the hydrophilic heads of phospholipids have in the bilayer?

  They face outward toward water
• Do triglycerides contain a phosphate group?

  No, they do not
• What are the key functions of cell membranes?

  1. Barrier control: Selectively permeable
  2. Fluidity: Allows lateral movement
  3. Structure: Framework for proteins
  4. Protection: Boundary between interior and exterior