Lipids
By: Farah Merchant and Deepa Ravindra
Biomolecule Name: Lipids
Monomers and Polymers
Monomers of Lipids
- Glycerol (C3H8O3)
- Fatty Acids
Polymer formed by monomers (Glycerol and Fatty Acids): Triglycerides. Triglycerides are formed when each single bonded oxygen molecule of a fatty acid bonds to a carbon of the glycerol.
Examples of Lipids
- Fats
- Oils
- Waxes
- Saturated Fat
- Unsaturated Fat
- Trans Fat
Functional Groups Always Found In Lipids
- Carboxyl
Carboxyl is pictured below.
Functions of Lipids
- Energy storage
- Mobilization
- Cell differentiation
- Cell growth
- Cell membrane structure
- Signal transmission
- Hormone synthesis
Structure Aiding in Function
The lipid bilayer is an important structure in lipids because it creates a barrier of the cell which is composed of two layers of fat. The other thing about the lipid bilayer is that it only lets water and gasses pass through easily, which again results in it's protective layer.
Sources
- http://ergogenicaids.wikispaces.com/file/view/triglyceride.gif/467807336/triglyceride.gif
- http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/865/flashcards/728865/png/carboxyl1316389975641.png
- http://www.sparknotes.com/biology/cellstructure/cellmembranes/section1.html
- http://www.ehow.com/list_6404017_polymers-lipids_.html
- Biology Textbook
- http://ocw.jhsph.edu/courses/humannutrition/PDFs/Lecture4.pdf
- http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-lipids.html