Quick 10Q: Lipids*

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What is a triglyceride?

Back

A triglyceride is a type of lipid formed from one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids, primarily used for energy storage in the body.

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What is a dehydration reaction?

Back

A dehydration reaction is a chemical process that involves the removal of water to form a bond between molecules, such as when fatty acids bond to glycerol in triglycerides.

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What is hydrolysis?

Back

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that involves the addition of water to break bonds in molecules, such as when triglycerides are broken down into glycerol and fatty acids.

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What are lipids?

Back

Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic organic compounds, including fats, oils, waxes, and steroids, that are insoluble in water.

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What is an amphipathic molecule?

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An amphipathic molecule has both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions, such as phospholipids.

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What is the structure of a phospholipid?

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A phospholipid consists of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid tails, and a phosphate group, making it amphipathic.

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What is the role of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

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Cholesterol helps maintain the fluidity of the plasma membrane by preventing fatty acid tails from packing too closely together.

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What distinguishes phospholipids from fats?

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Phospholipids have two fatty acids and a phosphate group, while fats (triglycerides) have three fatty acids.

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What is the function of lipase?

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Lipase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of fats, breaking them down into fatty acids and glycerol.

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What is a steroid?

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A steroid is a type of lipid characterized by a carbon skeleton with four fused rings, such as cholesterol and hormones.