Phospholipids 2003
- 2. Elements Hydrogen Carbon Oxygen Phosphorus Sometimes another element, Such as nitrogen
- 3. Structure- Subunits A phospholipid is made up of the following: - a hydrophilic head - 2 hydrophobic tails (fatty acids) The hydrophilic head is made up of a glycerol, a phosphate group, and another group attached to the phosphate group (varies)
- 4. Functional Groups Carbonyl groups (>C=O) Phosphate groups (-PO4) Hydroxyl Group (-OH) Carboxyl Group (-COOH) The phosphate group is found in the hydrophilic head, while carbonyl groups and carboxyl groups are found in the fatty acid chains in the hydrophobic tails. The glycerol contains the hydroxyl group.
- 5. Organic Compound Phospholipids are LIPIDS Other lipids include fats and steroids
- 6. Functions of Family The biggest function of fats is energy storage (store more than polysaccharides) The energy reserves are stored in adipose cells Steroids (cholesterol) produce hormones Fats also cushion vital organs A layer of blubber insulates organisms from cold
- 7. Function of Phospholipids Phospholipids join together to form p hospholipid bilayers. This is the major component of the cell membrane. Phospholipids help transfer biological signals across the cell membrane, they form a barrier between the cell and the exterior.
- 8. Reasons we’re good parents (and uncle) 1. The phospholipids form the membrane around our cells, shielding the contents. 2. The phospholipids help aid the transfer of fat in our digestion 3. We need the phospholipids to help transfer signals across the membrane.