Quiz - Lipids - 1 | Lipids
Organic Chemistry 3 - Quiz - Lipids - 1
How do the physical properties of saturated fatty acids compare to unsaturated fatty acids at room temperature?
Saturated fatty acids lack double bonds, leading to a more linear structure that allows tight packing and strong intermolecular van der Waals forces. As a result, they typically have higher melting points and are solid at room temperature, unlike unsaturated fatty acids, which contain double bonds causing kinks, resulting in looser packing and lower melting points.
How does the hydrophobicity of waxes compare to triglycerides, and what implications does this have for their biological functions?
Waxes are extremely hydrophobic due to their long-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols, making them excellent for waterproofing and protection, which is why they are found on the surface of leaves and in animal fur. Triglycerides, while also hydrophobic, are more commonly used for energy storage in biological systems rather than waterproofing.
What are the primary components of triglycerides?
Triglycerides consist of three fatty acid molecules esterified to a glycerol molecule.
Which type of reaction is involved in the breakdown of triglycerides to release fatty acids and glycerol?
Triglycerides undergo hydrolysis reactions, catalyzed by lipases, to release fatty acids and glycerol.
What type of reaction converts unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fatty acids?
Hydrogenation is the process of adding hydrogen to unsaturated fatty acids to convert them into saturated fatty acids.
What is a characteristic feature of phosphoglycerides?
Phosphoglycerides are a class of lipids that contain phosphate groups in addition to fatty acids and glycerol, making them amphipathic molecules.
What is the functional group in the R group of cephalins and lecithins?
The R-groups of cephalins (R = ethanolamine) and lecithins (R = choline) contain amine functional groups, distinguishing them from other phosphoglycerides.
What is a characteristic feature of the structure of steroids?
Steroids are characterized by a tetracyclic ring system composed of three cyclohexane rings and one cyclopentane ring.
Which class of hormones do adrenocortical hormones belong to?
Adrenocortical hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal glands, and include glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and small amounts of sex hormones.
What is the chemical structure of pyrophosphate?
Pyrophosphate has the chemical formula P2O7 and consists of two phosphate (PO4) groups linked by an oxygen atom.