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Structure & Function

LIPIDS. Structure & Function. Characteristics. Definition: Organic (carbon-containing) compounds that are non-polar hydrophbic compounds Several distinct classes of lipids all are characterized by:

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Structure & Function

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  1. LIPIDS Structure & Function

  2. Characteristics • Definition: Organic (carbon-containing) compounds that are non-polar hydrophbic compounds • Several distinct classes of lipids all are characterized by: • Fatty Acids simplest lipids consist of long hydrocarbon chains, with a carboxyl group at one end (-COOH). • The carboxyl group is hydrophilic (“water loving”) • Hydrocarbon end is non-polar and hydrophobic (“water fearing”) • 3 Types: • Fats - oils, fats, waxes • Phospholipids – important for cell membrane • Steroids – 4 fused carbon rings + functional group

  3. Functions • Storing long-term energy • Cellular/plasma membrane • Hormones - Steroids • Insulation • Protect internal organs

  4. FATS • Structure of a fat: • Fatty Acids are building block of fats • Triglycerides (fats and oils): Made from 1 glycerol + 3 fatty acid tails • Formed by dehydration reaction • Example: Fats: Butter, lard Oils: Corn oil, olive oil, margarine • Note: Vary in length and location of double bonds in tail • TWO major functions of fats and oils: • 1) Energy storage. • 2) Cushions and insulates the body and nerves. • Saturated fatty acids have no C=C double bonds (generally un-healthy) • Unsaturated fatty acid have 1 or more C=C double bonds (generally healthy) • Polyunsaturated fats – more than 1 C=C double bonds

  5. Phospholipids • Lipid bilayers = the plasma membrane of every cell and the membranes within eukaryotic cells • Structure - similar to a triglycerides, but has only 2 fatty acid tails • "head" water soluble, or hydrophilic. The long hydrocarbon tail is hydrophobic. • Function: Phospholipids self assemble into bilayers that shield the tail from water = forming membranes (phospholipid bilayers!).

  6. Sterols • Steroids: Cholesterol, steroid hormones • Structure: Made from lipids. Have no fatty acids in their structure, but are very hydrophobic • Major Function: • 1) Help to maintain membrane fluidity • 2) Sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen and progesterone) are all made from cholesterol. • Cholesterol has a CRUCIAL role in the functioning of our cells-membranes. However, too much cholestereol in the diet is known to be a factor in atherosclerosis and heart disease. (*think back to trans-fats) • Anabolic steroids

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