In this post, Jayne gives examples of different types of lipids and explains what they are composed of and their corresponding functions in the human body.
There are different types of Lipid found in living organisms. Triglycerides, phospholipids and sterols are those you are likely to come across at A Level. A typical question may ask you to describe the structure and function of each.
From FATBERGS to FUEL !
This item from the BBC explains how lipids can cause a domestic waste disposal problem namely :
30 TONNES OF FATBERG per week from one treatment station in Birmingham.
It also shows how this waste product is now getting turned into a useful "green" fuel.
Types of lipid:
Several different types of lipid exist. They have different properties because their molecules contain different functional groups.
- Each of the boxes below contains the name of one type of lipid which can be found in a living organism.
- Clicking on the box will reveal or hide an explanation of the structure and function of the lipid.
- Hide the content in all the boxes.
- Can you draw or describe the structure and function BEFORE you click for the answer?
Exploring the molecules
Use the animation explore the fatty acid, glycerol and triglyceridemolecules.
Use the buttons at the top to show or hide the functional groups, the different formula types and the polar and non-polar parts of the molecules.
Polar and non polar.....
- Polar molecules have areas of positive and negative charge. This happens when electrons are unevenly distributed around the molecule.
- Uneven electron distribution can the the result of differing electronegativity of the atoms involved. It can also be the result of an asymmetric arrangement of electrons.
- Water molecules are polar. The oxygen atom is negatively charged and the hydrogen atoms are positively charged. Other polar molecules are attracted to water molecules and dissolve in them. For example, glucose, dissolves in water.
- In non polar molecules the charges are evenly distributed in the molecule. They do not interact with polar water molecules and so are insoluble in them.
- Most parts of a triglyceride molecule are non polar.
- Phospholipids have a polar 'head' which attracts water (hydrophilic) the fatty acid tails of the phospholipid molecule do not attract water ( i.e. are hydrophobic) and sit on the inside of the membrane.
Explaining Lipids clearly...
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