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Biochemistry Part V. Lipids. Lipids. A class of organic molecules that are insoluble in water There are 3 major groups of lipids Triglycerides Phospholipids Steroids. Triglycerides. Include fats, oils, and waxes Consist of 3 fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule
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Biochemistry Part V Lipids
Lipids • A class of organic molecules that are insoluble in water • There are 3 major groups of lipids • Triglycerides • Phospholipids • Steroids
Triglycerides • Include fats, oils, and waxes • Consist of 3 fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule • Hydrocarbons with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end of the chain
Monounsaturated Polyunsaturated
Phospholipids • Looks just like a lipid except that one of the fatty acid chains is replaced by a phosphate group (-PO32-) • An additional chemical group (R) might also be attached • Amphipathic • Hydrophilic heads (phosphates) • Hydrophobic tails (lipids) • Provide the foundation for cell membranes
Steroids • Characterized by a backbone of 4 linked carbon rings • Examples: • Cholesterol • Some Hormones • Testosterone • Estrogen
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