Key definition: lipids

Lipids are a diverse group of

chemicals that dissolve in organic
solvents, such as alcohol, but not in
water.
They include fatty acids,
triglycerides and cholesterol.

Functions of lipids
An energy source for respiration
Energy storage
Constituent of biological membranes
Insulation- e.g. whale blubber
Protection e.g. waxy cuticle in plants
Make up steroid hormones e.g.
testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone

Molecular structure of glycerol

Fatty acid molecule showing acid group

Fatty acids
All fatty acids have an acid group at one end
(the same as on an amino acid)
The rest is a hydrocarbon chain, anything from
2-20 carbons long
The most common fatty acids Have 18 carbons
in the hydrocarbon chain
The terms unsaturated and polyunsaturated is
often used when discussing healthy foods.
Saturated fats are a feature of a poor diet.
A saturated fatty acid is one where all bonds
possible are made with hydrogen.

Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids

Formation of triglyceride molecule

Formation of a phospholipid molecule

How does the structure of these

molecules aid their function?
PHOSPHOLIPIDS
Phospholipids are almost identical to
triglycerides with one important difference, the
addition of a phosphate molecule.
The phosphate head is HYDROPHILIC while the
rest is hydrophobic.
This gives the phospholipid molecule the
capacity to form cell membranes
The molecules may vary in how saturated the
fatty acids are which alters the fluidity of the
membrane and is useful at varying
temperatures.

TRIGLYCERIDES
Respiration of these molecules requires the hydrolysis of
the ester bonds that hold the fatty acids and glycerol
together
Then both can be respired to carbon dioxide and water
which releases energy for the generation of ATP.
Lipids contain about twice the energy as the same amount
of carbohydrate.
Their insolubility means they can be stored in a compact
way without affecting the water potential of the cell
contents
The respiration of these molecules gives out more water
than carbohydrate.
This is metabolic water vital to many organisms.

Cholesterol structure

 CHOLESTEROL
A small molecule made from 4 carbon
based rings which is found in al biological
membranes.
Its small, narrow structure and
hydrophobic nature allow it to sit between
the phospholipid hydrocarbon tails.
Here it regulates the fluidity of the
membrane.
Testosterone, oestrogen and vit D are
made from cholesterol

 The lipid nature of these hormones means

they can pass through the lipid bilayer
Cholesterol is vital to living organisms and
can be made in the liver
High cholesterol is a problem in humans
because it can cause gall stones and/ or
atherosclerosis
There is also a genetic condition called
hypercholesterolaemia which is caused
because the cells dont respond to the
signal to stop production

Lipids print
and annotate

Lipids
print and
annotate