Lipids
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4 Functions / Roles for lipids
Provide source of energy Insulate heat Act as waterproofing Form membranes and hormones
Name of the two types of lipids
Triglyceride Phospholipid
What are triglycerides made of
A glycerol molecule and three fatty acid chains 4 Molecules in total
Properties
Hydrophobic fatty acid chains which make lipids insoluble in water because they bundle together as insoluble droplets . The tails face inwards and the glycerol heads shield them from water . The hydrocarbon fatty acid chain can be saturated or unsaturated
Properties
A typical phospholipid consists of: one glycerol molecule two fatty acid chains These are non-polar and hydrophobic one phosphate group This is polar and hydrophilic Sometimes attached to an additional polar group (e.g. choline)
Why are triglycerides good at storing energy
High energy value and its compact
Why are triglycerides good at insulating heat
Poor heat conductors so it minimises heat loss from body
Why are triglycerides good for waterproofing
Hydrophobic fatty acid chains so it repels water and makes it insoluble
What are phospholipids made from
A glycerols molecule A phosphate group head 2 Fatty acid chains 4 Molecules in total
Properties of phospholipid
phosphate group is hydrophilic ( attracts water ) and the fatty acid chain is hydrophobic . This allows the phospholipid to form bilayers which make membranes around cells . Tail faces inward phosphate group faces outwards
Saturated fatty acid
No double chain carbon bonds Higher melting points Found in animal fats
Unsaturated fatty acid
One or more double chain carbon bond Lower melting points = liquid at room temp