Lecture Notes: Triglycerides and Fatty Acids

Triglycerides Structure

• Glycerides: Refers to the glycerol backbone made of carbon units.
• Tri-: Indicates three fatty acids attached to the glycerol backbone.

Fatty Acids

• Fatty acids on triglycerides vary based on:
  • Chain length
  • Number of double bonds

Carbon Chemistry

• Carbon forms four bonds.
• Affects the structure and type of fatty acid.

Types of Fatty Acids

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

• Double Bond: Presence indicates unsaturation.
• Monounsaturated Fatty Acid: One double bond.
• Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid: Two or more double bonds.

Saturated Fatty Acids

• No Double Bonds: Carbons are fully saturated with hydrogen.
• Single bonds between carbon units.

Visual Examples

• A: Monounsaturated fatty acid (1 double bond)
• B: Saturated fatty acid (No double bonds)
• C: Polyunsaturated fatty acid (2 double bonds)
• D: Monounsaturated fatty acid (1 double bond)

Chain Length Distinction

• Short/Medium Chain Fatty Acids:
  • 10-12 carbons.
  • Examples: A (10 carbons), C (10 carbons), D (12 carbons).
• Long Chain Fatty Acids:
  • More than 12 carbons.
  • Example: B (18 carbons).

Importance of Chain Length

• Relevance: Related to digestion and absorption.
• Next Steps: Watch related video on fatty acid digestion and absorption to understand chain length significance.