Download Molecular Modeling Activity Lipids (Saturated and Unsaturated Fats

Molecular Modeling Activity
Lipids (Saturated and Unsaturated Fats)
Introduction
Lipids are a diverse group of chemical compounds that are related by their insolubility in
water. Lipids include phospholipids, sterols, and triglycerides.
❏ Phospholipids are important parts of cell membranes. Sterols such as cholesterol
form vital biological compounds including hormones.
❏ Triglycerides store energy, protect certain organs, transport fat-soluble vitamins,
and help insulate the body. ​
Triglycerides are the most common type of lipid found in
the body and in foods. ​
Triglycerides include the edible fats and oils in our dietssubstances such as olive oil, corn oil, peanut oil, butter, and lard. They are solid or
semi-solid at room temperature are classified as fats, and occur predominantly in
animals. Those triglycerides that are liquid are called oils and originate chiefly in
plants. Fats and oils are made up of two different kinds of molecules: glycerol and
fatty acids
Build a Model of Glycerol- the backbone of fats and oils
● before you begin, draw a diagram of a glycerol molecule
● once you have built your model
○ make a key or label the different parts of the glycerol molecule
○ take a picture and insert it HERE
● then, answer the following questions:
1. What elements are present in glycerol? H, OH
2. What is the molecular formula for glycerol? C3H8O3
3. In carbohydrates there are twice as many hydrogen atoms as oxygen atoms. Are
there twice as many hydrogen atoms as oxygen atoms in glycerol? a little more
MATERIALs to Build your Model
Carbon=
red gummy
Hydrogen=
gummy bear(your choice)
Oxygen=
gummy bear(your choice)
covalent bonds =
tooth picks
The Structure of Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are the second kind of molecule found in triglycerides.
1. how is the molecular structure of a saturated fat different from an unsaturated fat?
Saturated fats are completely filled with hydrogen making them harder to digest
while unsaturated have some empty spots.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
list some common examples of saturated fats: Butter, animal fats, etc.
list some common examples of unsaturated fats: Nuts, vegetable oil, etc.
what types of fatty acids build saturated fats? omega 3
what types of fatty acids build unsaturated fats? mono & polyunsaturated fats
what elements are present in all fatty acids? Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
research butyric acid, lauric acid and palmitic acid
what is the molecular formula for butyric acid? C4H8O2
what is the molecular formula for lauric acid? C12H24O2
what is the molecular formula for palmitic acid? C16H32O2
8. what pattern appears in the fatty acid molecules regarding the number of oxygen
atoms? they all contain 2
9. is there a carboxyl group present in all the above fatty acids? yes
10. what similarities do fatty acids share with glycerol molecules? they each have
carboxyl groups
Coming up next: Building a Saturated Fat & an Unsaturated Fat