Saturated/Unsaturated Fatty Acid Structures

Understanding the chemical structure for saturated and unsaturated (cis and trans) fatty acids. A "fat molecule" is also called a "triglyceride" or "triacylglyceride."

Fatty acids have a polar carboxylic acid "head" and a non-polar hydrocarbon "tail." Overall, a molecule with a large hydrocarbon chain is more soluble in fats/oils/hydrocarbons (ie. nonpolar solvents).




In general, we use the phrase "like dissolves like" to predict the solubility of a compound in a polar or non-polar solvent.

A molecule with a very short hydrocarbon chain (vinegar/acetic acid) is more soluble in water; the polar carboxylic acid functional group "wins".

The hypothetical fat molecule that I showed is called a "triglyceride" because the glycerol is esterified with 3 fatty acids.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• chemistry;
• nutrition;
• biochemistry;
• fatty
• acids;
• trans
• fats;
• saturated;
• unsaturated

[onehappywon]

Ack..it cut out when you were going to tell us what it was called when you have a glycerol backbone and 3 fatty acid chains.

Anyway - this was SOO helpful! You explained what I couldn't understand in my class.

THANKS!!!

[TTUchem1010]

sorry about that -  it's a triglyceride ("fat molecule")

[mrjamajam]

That was a fantastic explanation. U should have been my school teacher in chemistry. I would have learned more :)

[sofiiluchii]

thaanks! i understood so much more watching this 9-minute video than i did the 40mins in class :P

[Djhojalata]

penis.

[Djalitana]

this was so fascinating I think after I finish with my anatomy stuff I will start with chemistry. thank you so much.

[MLangan86]

Question, after the ester bond is formed and the hydrogen is lost from the OH group on the carboxylic acid, is it still a carboxylic acid when it is bonded to the glycerol?

[MLangan86]

This video is brilliant! thanks!

[silviarebecca]

great video :D anyway, you're lefty eh? :) :)

[TheRosa63]

you did a fair job in explaining the chemistry of fats, trouble is you are conveying unproven info, saturated fats do not clog arteries. that is a myth. high insulin levels due to hi gi foods and poor nutrition causes a.g.e.s which damages linings, not sat fat unless it is a rancid fat then yea. cholesterol is a antioxidant and immune system assistant. excess carbs in blood cause damage sugars are readily oxidized, sat fats are not. they are coated to protect them from oxygen.

[abeeraltaf]

u r awesome.great video.god bless u

[rajhetti6]

thanks

[PSVInc]

god, you are an angel!!!!! helped me understand the basic foundation of those lipids... thnx thnx thnx..

...but got one question: might sound stupid: does lipids have amino group and αcarbon as well, just like amino acids??

because i couldnt see that in the video...thxn...=)