1.3 KiB
1.3 KiB
- Lipids are a class of nutrients that do not dissolve in water.
- They will dissolve in organic solvents
- Oil is less dense than water, so it will rise to the top of a solution
- Major functions of lipids in the body include
- Providing and storing energy
- forming and maintaining cell membranes
- producing steroid hormoes
- insulating the body
- cushioning the body against bumps and blows
- forming body contours
- absorbing fat soluble vitamins and phytochemicals
Fatty Acids
A fatty acid is a hydrocarbon chain found in lipids; one end of the chain forms a carboxylic acid, and one end forms a methyl group.
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Short chain fatty acids have 2 to 4 carbons
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Medium chain fatty acids have 6 to 12 acids
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Long chan acids have 14 to 24 carbons
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Fatty acids are identified by:
- The number of carbon atoms
- The type of bond between carbon atoms
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Saturated fatty acid (SFA) Every single carbon atom is filled with hydrogen atoms
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Unsaturated fatty acid is a fatty acid that is missing hydrogen atoms and has one or more double bonds within the carbon chain
- Monounsaturated (MUFA)
- Has one double bond within the carbon chain
- Polyunsaturated (PUFA)
- Fatty acid that has two or more bonds within the carbon chain
- Monounsaturated (MUFA)