![]() ![]() As a result, phospholipids are considered amphipathic because they have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic components. Phospholipids are a special type of lipid associated with cell membranes and typically have a glycerol (or sphingosine) backbone to which two fatty acid chains and a phosphate-containing group are attached. During this hydrogenation process, double bonds in the cis- conformation in the hydrocarbon chain may be converted to double bonds in the trans- conformation unfortunately, trans fats have been shown to contribute to heart disease. In the food industry, oils are artificially hydrogenated to make them chemically more appropriate for use in processed foods. In general, fats that are liquid at room temperature (e.g., canola oil) tend to be more unsaturated than fats that are solid at room temperature. The fatty acids may be saturated or unsaturated, depending on the presence or absence of double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain a saturated fatty acid has the maximum number of hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon and, thus, only single bonds. A typical fat consists of three fatty acids bonded to one molecule of glycerol, forming triglycerides or triacylglycerols. Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids. Most lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Like carbohydrates, lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but these atoms are arranged differently. Lipids also are sources of energy that power cellular processes. How does cholesterol help maintain the fluid nature of the plasma membrane of cells?.What is the basic structure of a steroid, and what are examples of their functions?.What is the molecular structure of phospholipids, and what is the role of phospholipids in cells?.What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?.What are functions of fats in living organisms?.What are the four major types of lipids?. ![]() In this section, you will explore the following questions:
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