Structure of Lipids (Fats) Review Lipids (fats) contain the elements C, H and O. Lipids can be either solid or liquid at room temperature depending on structure. Lipids (Fats) contain a glycerol molecule combined with three fatty acids.
A triglyceride molecule: Triglyceride molecule animation (dehydration synthesis) Lipid hydrolysis
There are dozens of different fatty acids that can be classified as Saturated or Unsaturated. Saturated fatty acids contain all of the hydrogen atoms that the carbon atoms could possibly hold. These fats are SOLIDS at room temperature (straight; stack together). Unsaturated fatty acids are missing hydrogen atoms around their carbons; they are kinky, do NOT stack up and are oils at room temperature:
Saturated versus Unsaturated:
Monounsaturated (1 double bond) versus Polyunsaturated (many double bonds)
Hydrogenated fats In the process of hydrogenation, hydrogen atoms are added back to unsaturated fats to make them turn from liquid oil to solid. (“Kinky” to “straight” Examples of hydrogenated fats include Crisco, margarine and oil-less peanut butter. Hydrogenated fats are linked to Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Hydrogenation: animation ydrogenation.html ydrogenation.html
“Cis” fats versus “Trans” fats. “Cis” is a latin term for same. In the case of fats, cis refers to the arrangement of hydrogen atoms around a double bond. “Trans” means opposite or across. Trans fats have the hydrogen atoms arranged on opposite sides of a double bond.
Cis versus Trans
Cis versus trans Cis fats are naturally occurring and act as antioxidants which protect your cells from damaging toxins. Oils contain cis fats include hemp oil, olive oil and canola oil. Trans fats are manmade, synthetic compounds that are produced during the process of hydrogenation. Trans fats trick the cells because they truly are unsaturated, but their structure blocks cell function.