BCH2011 Chapter Notes -Very Low-Density Lipoprotein, Phospholipid, Glycogen
Document Summary
The fatty acids are hydrocarbon derivatives, at the same low oxidation state as the hydrocarbons in fossil fuels. The cellular oxidation of fatty acids (to co2 and. H2o), like the controlled, rapid burning of fossil fuels in internal combustion engines is highly exergonic. They are carboxylic acids with hydrocarbon chains ranging from 4-36 carbons long. In some fatty acids, this chain is unbranched and fully saturated (contains no double bonds); in others the chain contains one or more double bonds. A few contain three-carbon rings, hydroxyl groups, or methyl-group branches. The physical properties of the fatty acids, and of compounds that contain them, are largely determined by the length and degree of unsaturation of the hydrocarbon chain. The nonpolar hydrocarbon chain accounts for the poor solubility of fatty acids in water. Melting points are strongly influenced by the length and degree of unsaturation of the hydrocarbon chain.
