Lipids and Fatty acids

Biological molecules comprised mainly of chains of hydrocarbons. Fatty acids, waxes, sterols, some vitamins etc… They are amphiphilic, but the hydrocarbon chain generally makes them act hydrophobic. Only soluble in non-polar solvents. Diverse range of functions in the body: energy storage, cellular signalling, cellular structural components.

a molecule having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions.

These are carboxylic acids, joined to a long aliphatic hydro-carbon chain. Fatty acids can undergo saponification reactions to make soap and glycerol. Fatty acids can be divided into several types.

Is the process in which triglycerides are combined with a strong base to form fatty acid metal salts during the soap-making process.

means that every carbon in the chain has a single bond to another carbon and any other bonds are taken up by hydrogen.

means that one or more carbon double bond is present in the chain.

one carbon-carbon double bond is present.

Two or more carbon-carbon double bonds are present

naturally occurring fats, however, higher levels in processed foods. These increase the amount of Low Density Lipoproteins (LDLs) and lower High Density Lipoproteins (HDLs). found in butter, milk, biscuits, confectionary, crisps etc.

naturally occurring fats, however, processing foods can hydrogenate this bond leading to the generation of a saturated fat , or can cause isomerisation, leading to the formation of a trans fat. This increases HDLs Found in olive & veg oil, nuts, avocado, however, most foods containing cis fat will also have trans fat.

the other end which can interact with lipids.

One end which can interact with water.

Triacylglycerols (TAGS), Waxes, Glycerophopholipids, Sphingolipids, Glycosphingolipids.

3 carbon sugar alcohol Odourless, colorless, slight sweet taste. Used as a bulking agent in many products.

an ester bond

forms at the interface between an OH group on the glycerol and the carboxylic acid of the fatty acid.

enzymes such as pancreatic lipase and bile acids.

lymphatic system and stored in adipocytes, where they are packed tightly together.

highly variable between tissues and cells.

what is attached at the head group substituent of the phosphate group. The name always starts with Phosphatidyl-X