Lipids: Fats, Phospholipids and Steroids

Lipids Does not have monomer or polymer Atoms: carbon, hydrogen and a few oxygen Does not have monomer or polymer Main parts are called glycerol and fatty acids-long chains of carbon and hydrogen

Lipids Six functions of lipids: 1. Long term energy storage 2. Protection against heat loss (insulation) 3. Protection against physical shock 4. Protection against water loss 5. Chemical messengers (hormones) 6. Major component of membranes (phospholipids) copyright cmassengale

Unique Characteristics Lipids are insoluble in water aka hydrophobic Lipids are soluble in hydrophobic solvents. Store more energy than other macromolecules

Fats Composed of 1 glycerol and 3 fatty acids. Fatty acids Ester Linkage Fatty acids Glycerol

Fat Functions 1. Energy Storage 2. Protection against heat loss (insulation) 3. Protection against physical shock 4. Protection against water loss copyright cmassengale

Saturated vs. Unsaturated Which is which? How are they different?

Saturated vs. unsaturated 

Phosopholipids

Phosopholipids Major component of membranes

Steroids ______ ring carbon skeleton Chemical groups play a major role in function

Steroids In animals cholesterol is the precursor for steroid hormones Obtained from food and synthesized in the liver

Steroids Functions Chemical messengers (hormones) Component of membranes