FATS AND OTHER LIPIDS



FATS AND OTHER LIPIDS

Function: Energy and Structure

Structure: C, O, H (no ratio)

All lipids are hydrophobic and classified into:

1) Fats and Oils

Composed of two main parts: an alcohol, called glycerol, and

3 fatty acid molecules.

The glycerol and the fatty acids are joined by ester linkages

A) Saturated Fatty Acids (solid at room temperatures (fats))

Every chemical bond of the carbons in the chain holds a

hydrogen.

B) Unsaturated Fatty Acids

(liquid at room temperatures (oils))

Not every chemical bond of the carbons in the chain holds

a hydrogen. Double bonds are present between some

carbon atoms.

2) Phospholipids

They are fat derivatives and an important component in cell

membranes.

Composed of two parts:

I) “head” made of one

glycerol molecule,

one phosphate group,

and one hydrophilic

group

ii) two “tails”, made of two

fatty acid chains.

Phospholipids are amphipathic. They form bubbles (micelles) or layers (membranes) when in contact with water.

3) Sterols

Composed of a flat ring structure.

Cholesterol is the most common one, found abundantly in

cell membranes, where it makes the membranes tougher

and less permeable.

Other steroids are synthesized from cholesterol;

e.g. testosterone, estrogen, progesterone

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