Biological Molecules - Lipids

7 important questions on Biological Molecules - Lipids

What are the three different kinds of lipid?

Triglycerides, Phospholipids and Cholesterol.

Describe the structure of a triglyceride.

One molecule of glycerol bonded (by ester bonds) to three fatty acids.

Describe the structure of cholesterol.

A hydrocarbon ring structure attached to a hydrocarbon tail and a hydroxyl group.
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How are ester bonds formed?

A condensation reaction known as esterification.

Why are triglycerides good for storage?

The hydrocarbon tails (of fatty acids) contain lots of chemical energy which is released when broken down. The tails mean lipids can store twice as much energy per gram than carbohydrates.

What is the main function of phospholipids?

Make up the cell membrane in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

What is the main function of cholesterol?

To strengthen the cell membrane by interacting with the phospholipid bilayer.

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