Biological Lipids

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All biological lipids are amphipathic.

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Amphipathic molecules have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties.

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Fatty acids

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Fatty acids are a class of biological lipids that consist of a hydrocarbon chain and a terminal carboxyl group.

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Triacylglycerols

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Triacylglycerols are a class of biological lipids composed of three fatty acids esterified to a glycerol molecule.

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Common biological fatty acids and their characteristics

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Chemical structures and molecular models of fatty acids: Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Oleic acid, Linoleic acid, α-Linolenic acid, and Arachidonic acid.

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Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains. They can be saturated (no double bonds) or unsaturated (one or more double bonds). Examples include: - Palmitic acid: Saturated fatty acid. - Stearic acid: Saturated fatty acid. - Oleic acid: Monounsaturated fatty acid. - Linoleic acid: Polyunsaturated fatty acid with two double bonds. - α-Linolenic acid: Polyunsaturated fatty acid with three double bonds. - Arachidonic acid: Polyunsaturated fatty acid with four double bonds.

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Structural consequences of unsaturation in fatty acids.

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Saturated chains pack tightly and form more rigid, organized aggregates, such as membranes. Unsaturated chains bend and pack in a less ordered way, allowing greater potential for motion.

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Chemical structures of Lactobacillic acid and Tuberculostearic acid.

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Lactobacillic acid has the chemical formula CH₃(CH₂)₅HC-CH(CH₂)₉COOH, featuring a cyclopropane ring in its structure. Tuberculostearic acid has the chemical formula CH₃(CH₂)₇CH(CH₂)₈COOH, with a methyl group attached to the chain.

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Triacylglycerols are also called triglycerides.

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They are a major energy source for many organisms.

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Reasons why triacylglycerols are a major energy source.

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1. They are the most reduced form of carbon in nature. 2. No solvation is needed. 3. They allow efficient packing.

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Glycerol

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A three-carbon molecule with three hydroxyl groups (-OH) that serves as the backbone for triacylglycerols.