Posted: February 9th, 2023

Structural Feature: Fatty Acid Chain Length

Explain one structural feature OR one functional feature of lipids

Structural refers to features of its structure--how it is made. As examples, the monomers and the shape of the carbon backbone.
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Structural Feature: Fatty Acid Chain Length

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Lipids are composed of a hydrophobic (water-insoluble) fatty acid tail and a hydrophilic (water-soluble) head. The length of the fatty acid tail in a lipid can vary and can influence the physical properties of the lipid, such as its melting point. For example, long-chain fatty acids have a high melting point and tend to be solid at room temperature, while short-chain fatty acids have a low melting point and tend to be liquid.

Functional Feature: Phospholipid Bilayer

Phospholipids are a type of lipid that form the basis of cellular membranes, such as the plasma membrane. The functional feature of phospholipids is their ability to self-assemble into a lipid bilayer, which acts as a barrier and controls the movement of ions and molecules into and out of the cell. The hydrophobic fatty acid tails face inward, away from the water-based environment both inside and outside the cell, while the hydrophilic heads face outward, towards the aqueous environment. This arrangement creates a stable, fluid structure that allows cells to maintain their shape and perform their functions.

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