Regents Biology 2003-
2004
Lipids: Fats & Oils
Regents Biology 2003-2004
Lipids Concentrated energy molecules
Regents Biology 2003-
2004
Lipids
Function:
energy storage
very concentrated
twice the energy as carbohydrates!
cell membrane
cushions organs
Chemical signals
hormones
insulates body
think whale blubber!
Regents Biology 2003-
2004
Lipids
Examples
fats
oils
waxes
hormones
sex hormones
testosterone (male)
estrogen (female)
Regents Biology
Lipids
The building blocks of lipids = fatty
acids
Regents Biology 2003-
2004
Structure of Fat
1 glycerol + 3 fatty acids = triglyceride
Not a polymer! – It is a HYDROCARBON
Regents Biology
Lipids are NOT polymers – They are hydrocarbons!
Regents Biology 2003-
2004
Saturated fats
Most animal fats
solid at room
temperature
Limit the amount
in your diet
contributes to
heart disease
deposits in
arteries
Regents Biology 2003-
2004
Unsaturated fats
Plant, vegetable & fish fats
liquid at room
temperature
the fat molecules
don’t stack tightly
together
Better choice in your
diet
Regents Biology 2003-
2004
Saturated vs. unsaturated
saturated unsaturated
Regents Biology 2003-
2004
Other lipids in biology
Cholesterol
good molecule in cell membranes
make hormones from it
including sex hormones
but too much cholesterol in blood may
lead to heart disease
Regents Biology 2003-
2004
Other lipids in biology
Cell membranes are made out of lipids
phospholipids
heads are on the outside touching water
“like” water (hydrophilic)
tails are on inside away from water
“scared” of water (hydrophobic)
forms a barrier between the cell & the outside
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