Intro to Organic

Molecules
& Lipids

AP Biology
Life is based on Carbon
 Carbon atoms are versatile
building blocks
 Special bonding properties
 Has 4 valence electrons so it can form
4 stable covalent bonds with other carbon atoms or atoms of other
elements
 Bonds with CHNOPS – the elements that make up living things;
Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur

H C
H
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H
Lipids
 Lipids are organic molecules essential for life that are
composed mostly of C, H, O

 4 types of lipids
 fats (triglycerides)
 phospholipids
 steroids
 waxes

AP Biology
 Triglycerides
 Fat molecules
 Structure = 3 fatty acids chains linked to glycerol
 Functions = long term energy storage and insulation for animals
 Can be saturated or unsaturated

3 fatty
Glycerol acids

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Saturated fats
 All C bonded to H
 No C=C double bonds
 long, straight chain
 most animal fats and butter
 solid at room temperature
 contributes to
cardiovascular disease

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Unsaturated fats
 At least one C=C double bond in
the fatty acids
 plant & fish fats
 vegetable oils
 liquid at room temperature

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 Saturated vs. unsaturated
saturated unsaturated

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Phospholipids
 Structure: 2 fatty acids chains + phosphate head
 Fatty acid chains = non-polar = hydrophobic “water fearing”
 Phosphate head = polar = hydrophillic “water loving”

 Function: make up cell membranes

(phospholipid bilayer)

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 Steroids
 Structure: 4 fused Carbon rings
 examples:
 cholesterol – Function =control the fluidity of the cell membrane
 hormones – Function = regulate processes in the body (such as pregnancy)
 vitamins (A, B, D) – Function = supports metabolism and cell processes

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 Waxes
 Solid at room temp
 Insoluble in water
 Function:
 Protective covering for
animals and plants
 Examples:
 Beeswax
 Earwax
 Cuticle of leaf (keeps water in)

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 What is the function of a
triglyceride?
1. Stores and transfers
75%
genetic information
2. Long term energy
storage
3. Control the rate of
reactions
4. Help to fight disease 15%
10%
0%

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 Which type of lipid makes up the
majority of the cell membrane?
1. phospholipids 79%
2. waxes
3. steroids
4. triglycerides

11%
5% 5%

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 Fats that have at least one double
bond between Carbon atoms are
called
1. Unsaturated 65%

2. Saturated
3. Glycerol
4. Fatty Acids
20%

10%
5%

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 Phospholipids have a
1. hydrophobic head and
hydrophilic tail 84%

2. hydrophilic head and

hydrophobic tail

16%

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 Which of the following is an
example of a steroid
1. Fatty acids 88%
2. Sex hormones
3. Phospholipids
4. Olive Oil

12%
0% 0%

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