Lipid Structure• Fats, Oils, Waxes• Provide energy for

cells, cell structure, insulation– Lipids & Proteins

compose the cell membrane

– Cholesterol: gives cell membrane flexibility

Lipid Structure• Fats, Oils, Waxes• Provide energy for cells, cell

structure, insulation– Lipids & Proteins compose the cell

membrane– Cholesterol: gives cell membrane

flexibility

• Structure (2 parts):– “Head” = glycerol– “Tails” = fatty acids

• Monomer: Fatty Acid• Polymer: Lipid

Glycerol molecule

Saturated Fats

• Long chain of C-C single bonds• Each C is “saturated” with H atoms• Solid at room temps• Very common in animal fats

Lard

Unsaturated Fats

Coconut oil Olive oil

• Long chain of C bonds (some double bonds)• Causes the chain to be crooked

• Unsaturated: Less space for H atoms• Liquid at room temps• Plant oils

Saturated vs. Unsaturated1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9

18

17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

1 2 3 4 56

78

916

15 14 13 1211

10

The double bond reduces the need for more H atoms to stabilize the molecule.

Normally, blood flows freely through a vein

Blood veinRBC

Too much saturated fats…

Blood veinRBC

RBC

RBCRBC

Cholesterol & saturated fatsReduced circulation…Blood clots…High blood pressure

RBC

RBCRBC

RBC

RBCRBC

RBC

RBCRBC

RBCRBC

RBC

RBC

Cholesterol levels

Kobe Kuiz

1) What are the two parts of a lipid called?2) Which part is the “head”? Which part are the

“tails”?3) How do small fatty acids and glycerol molecules

bond to make a lipid?4) How do saturated and unsaturated fatty acids

differ?5) Which lipid gives cells their flexibility?6) Why are saturated fats less healthy?