Lesson 4:  Phospholipids and Membranes

• Phospholipids
• Understand the component substructures within phospholipid molecules
• Know the molecular structures of the alcohols (glycerol, serine, choline, ethanolamine) used to make phospholipids
• Outline the chemical reactions and mechanisms for the formation of phospholipids from molecular subcomponents
• Outline the reactions involved in phospholipid hydrolysis
• Fats, oils, and fatty acids
• Know the structure of saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fats; describe associated health effects
• Understand cis- and trans-geometry and the formation of trans-fats
• Relate the melting points of fats and oils to molecular structure
• Understand olestra’s synthesis, structure, utility, and limitations
• Membranes
• Understand and draw the molecular structure of membranes
• Understand and describe the forces that hold membranes together
• Clearly outline the role of cholesterol in cell membranes
• Predict relative membrane permeability for a variety of types of molecules or ions