What are the Monomers of lipids: Fatty Acids & Glycerol Explained

Subject : Health & Medicine

Question:

What are the monomers of lipids?

Expert Verified Solution:

Description: Lipids are a diverse group of biomolecules that include fats, oils, and phospholipids. Unlike proteins and nucleic acids, lipids do not have a single type of monomer. Instead, they are primarily composed of two main types of monomers: fatty acids and glycerol.

1. Fatty Acids: These are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end. Fatty acids can be saturated (without double bonds) or unsaturated (with one or more double bonds).

2. Glycerol: This is a three-carbon molecule that acts as a backbone for triglycerides and phospholipids.

In triglycerides, three fatty acids are esterified to a glycerol molecule. In phospholipids, two fatty acids and a phosphate group are linked to glycerol. Together, these monomers form the complex structures of lipids, which are essential for energy storage, cell membrane structure, and various biological functions.

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