Lipids

General Information
Lipids, like carbohydrates, are made of C, H, and O
Lipids are non-polar covalently bonded molecules that
are insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar
solvents.
Lipids are hydrophobic.
Major Function of Lipids
Some lipids function in long-term energy storage (9
cal/g for lipids vs. 4 cal/g for carbs)
Lipids are an important component of cell membranes
Protection around organs
Insulation
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are made of two parts:

a) glycerol (alcohol)
b) fatty acids (carboxylic acids)
a) Glycerol
Classified as an alcohol (-OH)

Composed of 3 carbons and 3 hydroxyl groups

b) Fatty Acids
Fatty acids have a long hydrocarbon (carbon and
hydrogen) chain with a carboxyl group.

The chains usually contain 16 to 18 carbons.

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids ( -COOH). Fatty acids

can be saturated or unsaturated
Saturated Fats
Contain the maximum number of H atoms attached to
the carbon chain

Therefore have NO double bonds BETWEEN CARBONS

in the chain

Molecules are able to be packed tightly together in layers

Typically solids at room temperature

Unsaturated Fats
Contain LESS THAN the maximum number of H
atoms attached to carbon chain
Therefore DO have double bond(s) BETWEEN
CARBONS in the chain.
Double bonds produce a bend in the fatty acid
molecule
Molecules with many of these bends cannot be packed
as closely together as straight molecules
Typically liquid at room temperature
 Characteristic Saturated Fat Unsaturated Fat
Type of fatty acids Saturated fatty acids Unsaturated fatty
attached to glycerol acids (at least one)
Shape of fatty acids Straight Bent
Density More dense Less dense
State at room temp Solid at room temp Liquid at room temp
Diet Less healthy More healthy
Formation of a Triglyceride
Triglycerides are formed by combining 1 glycerol and 3
fatty acids

We will be drawing the reaction at the end of the

lesson
This is a dehydration synthesis reaction (3 molecules of waterare formed)
The resulting bond(s) between glycerol and the fatty acids is called an ester linkage.

Fats are nonpolar and therefore they do not dissolve in water

Phospholipids
Phospholipids have a
structure like a triglyceride
(see diagram above), but
contain a phosphate group in
place of the third fatty acid.

The phosphate group is

polar and therefore
hydrophilic
The fatty acid tails are
non-polar and therefore
hydrophobic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqsf_UJcfBc
Steroids
Cholesterol (see diagram above) is the precursor of
several other steroids, including several hormones
(such as progesterone, testosterone, estrogen) and also
vitamin D. It is also an important component of cell
membranes.

Saturated fats and cholesterol in the diet can lead to

deposits of fatty materials on the linings of the blood
vessels.