![]() In a fatty acid chain, if there are only single bonds between neighboring carbons in the hydrocarbon chain, the fatty acid is said to be saturated. Arachidic acid is derived from Arachis hypogea, the scientific name for groundnuts or peanuts.įatty acids may be saturated or unsaturated. For example, palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid, is derived from the palm tree. Some fatty acids have common names that specify their origin. Fats are also called triacylglycerols or triglycerides because of their chemical structure. The three fatty acids in the triacylglycerol may be similar or dissimilar. Three molecules of water are released in the process.ĭuring this ester bond formation, three water molecules are released. Triacylglycerol is formed by the joining of three fatty acids to a glycerol backbone in a dehydration reaction. Lipids include fats, oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids. Lipids are also the building blocks of many hormones and are an important constituent of all cellular membranes. For example, they help keep aquatic birds and mammals dry when forming a protective layer over fur or feathers because of their water-repellant hydrophobic nature. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals ( ). Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon–carbon or carbon–hydrogen bonds. Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. Explain the how cholesterol helps to maintain the fluid nature of the plasma membrane.Define the basic structure of a steroid and some functions of steroids.Describe phospholipids and their role in cells.Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.Explain the role of fats in storing energy.Describe the four major types of lipids.By the end of this section, you will be able to:
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