Five Sense Biochemistry Love thy Lipids
Lipid Chemistry Main Elements of Lipids: Carbon hydrogen & oxygen The ratio of hydrogen to carbon is greater than 2:1
Lipid Chemistry Lipids are non-polar, hydrophobic molecules How do lipids behave in the presence of polar molecules such as water? Lipids include fats, phospholipids, waxes & steroids
Function of Fats Energy storage Fats contain 9 calories/gram whereas carbohydrates contain 4 calories/gram
Fats Fats are composed of glycerol & three fatty acids (tri-glyceride)
Saturated Fat Study the pattern of carbon & hydrogen bonding—why do you think this is a saturated fat?
Unsaturated Fat Study the pattern of carbon & hydrogen bonding—why do you think this is a unsaturated fat?
Unsaturated Fats: Structure & Function How does the double bond affect the function of the molecule in cell membranes?
Trans Fats Found in foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils Linked to increased heart disease Cause increased levels of “bad” blood cholesterol and decreased levels of “good” cholesterol
Trans Fats What makes trans fats different than other unsaturated fats? How will this structure affect the molecule’s ability to bend?
Trans Fats & the Cell Membrane Trans fats get stored in the cell membrane As much as 20% of the cell membrane can consist of these unnatural fats Trans fats don’t kink—how will this affect the function of the cell membrane?
Phospholipids Similar to a fat, but contains only two fatty acids and a phosphate group. Polar heads & non-polar tails Where are phospholipids found in cells?
Steroids (Sterols) Lipids with four fused rings & no fatty acids Cholesterol is found in cell membranes & plays a role in hormone synthesis