PRE- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Do a library search to answer the following questions. Write your answer in an A4 size paper. Bring this
during our lecture sessions on lipids.
1. What are the general types of lipids? How are they distinct from one another?
There are two main types of lipids: simple lipids and complex lipids.
Simple lipids are made up of fatty acids and alcohol. The most common type of simple lipid is a
triglyceride, which is made up of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone. Triglycerides are the
main form of energy storage in the body and are also found in many foods. Complex lipids are made up
of fatty acids and alcohol, but they also contain other molecules, such as phosphate groups or
carbohydrates. Some examples of complex lipids include phospholipids, sphingolipids, and steroids.
Distinctions between simple and complex lipids: Simple lipids are made up of fatty acids and alcohol,
while complex lipids contain other molecules, such as phosphate groups or carbohydrates. Simple lipids
are the main form of energy storage in the body, while complex lipids are involved in a variety of cellular
processes, such as cell signaling and cell growth. Simple lipids are more common than complex lipids in
foods.

2. What are the implications of fatty acids having varying levels of unsaturation? What properties does
it affect? The level of unsaturation in a fatty acid affects a number of its properties, including: Melting
point: Saturated fatty acids have higher melting points than unsaturated fatty acids. This is because the
double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids kink the chain, making it more difficult for the fatty acids to
pack tightly together.Fluidity: Unsaturated fatty acids are more fluid than saturated fatty acids. This is
because the double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids create bends in the chain, which makes it more
difficult for the fatty acids to interact with each other.Oxidative stability: Unsaturated fatty acids are
more susceptible to oxidation than saturated fatty acids. This is because the double bonds in
unsaturated fatty acids are more reactive.
3. How are fatty acids named? How does one tell where the alpha carbon is and where the omega
bonds lie? Fatty acids are named using a system that takes into account the number of carbon atoms in
the fatty acid chain and the number and position of any double bonds. The first part of the fatty acid
name is a number that indicates the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain. The second part of
the fatty acid name is a prefix that indicates the number and position of any double bonds in the fatty
acid chain. If a fatty acid has more than one double bond, the prefixes are separated by colons and the
positions of the double bonds are listed from the omega end of the fatty acid chain. The alpha carbon is
the carbon atom at the carboxylic acid end of the fatty acid chain. The omega carbon is the carbon atom
at the methyl end of the fatty acid chain.
4. What are the chemical reactions involving some types of lipids? Lipids can undergo a variety of
chemical reactions, including: Hydrolysis is the breakdown of a lipid into its constituent parts in the
presence of water. Saponification is a type of hydrolysis that occurs in the presence of a strong
base. Hydrogenation is the addition of hydrogen atoms to a lipid molecule. Oxidation is the addition of
oxygen atoms to a lipid molecule. Esterification is the formation of an ester bond between a fatty acid and
an alcohol.
5. Give example/examples of storage and structural lipids.

storage lipids: Triglycerides, Waxes

structural lipids: Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Cholesterol

6. How would you describe the composition of a cell membrane?

-The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a thin, flexible barrier that surrounds all cells. It
is made up of a phospholipid bilayer, which is a double layer of phospholipid molecules. Phospholipid
molecules have a hydrophilic (water-loving) head group and a hydrophobic (water-hating) tail group. This
allows them to form a bilayer structure, with the hydrophilic head groups facing the outside and inside of
the cell, and the hydrophobic tail groups facing each other in the middle of the bilayer

7. What are the types of membrane transport? How are they different form each other?

two main types of membrane transport: passive transport and active transport.

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a membrane without the use of energy. It occurs
from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, down the concentration gradient.

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a membrane against the concentration gradient,
from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration. This requires the use of energy,
which is provided by ATP.

8. What is a steroid? Describe its function.

-A steroid is a type of organic compound that is characterized by its four-ringed structure. Steroids are found
in all living organisms, and they play a variety of important roles in biological processes.
 One of the most important functions of steroids is to serve as hormones. Steroid hormones are produced by
endocrine glands and are carried in the bloodstream to target cells throughout the body. Steroid hormones
bind to receptors on the target cells and regulate a variety of cellular processes, including growth,
development, metabolism, and reproduction.

9. What are eicosanoids? Where are they derived from?

Eicosanoids are a group of signaling molecules that are derived from arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated
fatty acid. They are produced by a variety of cells in the body, including platelets, leukocytes, and
endothelial cells. Eicosanoids play a role in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes,
including inflammation, pain, fever, blood clotting, and asthma.

10. Differentiate the three major type of eicosanoids.

The three major types of eicosanoids are prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. They are all derived from
arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, but they are produced by different enzymes and have different
effects.
Prostaglandins are produced by the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. Thromboxanes are also produced by the COX
pathway. They have a pro-thrombotic effect, meaning they promote blood clotting. Thromboxanes are also involved
in vasoconstriction. Leukotrienes are produced by the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway.