Biochemistry 2280A Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Benzene, Rieti, Atp Hydrolysis
25 Dec 2016
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Fatty acid chains are components of cell membranes. Fatty acid: two chemically distinct regions, long hydrocarbon chain (hydrophobic, unreactive) Almost all fatty acids covalently linked to other molecules by carboxyl group. Amphipathic: molecules that posses both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. Saturated: has no double or triple bonds between carbon atoms, max number of hydrogens. Unsaturated: with 1 or more double or triple bonds. Fatty acids serve as concentrated food reserve in cells. Can be broken down to produce 6x as much usable energy per weight than glucose. Triacylglycerol molecules: compounds made of 3 fatty acid chains covalently joined to a glycerol molecule. Broken down into 2-carbon units identical to those derived from breakdown of glucose. Lipids: loosely defined as molecules that are insoluble in water but soluble in fat and organic solvents like benzene. Typically contain long hydrocarbon chains or multiple aromatic rings. Lipid bilayer: basis for all cell membranes, largely composed of phospholipids.
