|
| |
Functions of Triglycerides
Cell Membranes
| One of the very important functions of triglycerides and, even more so,
the related phospholipids is that they contribute to the structure of membranes
by the formation of a lipid bilayer. |
![Shorthand structure of a phospholipid. [fatty11.jpg]](images/fatty11.jpg) |
| phospholipid |
|
| The membranes serve as a barrier to keep separate the inside of a cell and
the outside of a cell. The triglycerides and the phospholipids help to achieve this by
having the polar head of the molecule facing the inside of the cell as well as the outside
of the cell and then the nonpolar fatty acid portions of the molecules tend to dissolve
into one another and form a mix that is resistant to water, thus keeping the solution of
the inside of the cell inside restricting the flow of water and things to the outside of
the cell and vice versa. |
| aqueous interior of cell |
![Shorthand structure of lipid bilayer. [fatty12.jpg]](images/fatty12.jpg) |
| aqueous exterior |
|
| lipid bilayer |
|
Cell membranes made in this way are not rigid. They are, in fact, quite fluid and that
is of considerable value to the cells. Of course things do need to get from the outside of
the cell to the inside and from the inside to the outside. So, built into these lipid
bilayers are other kinds of molecules, such as proteins, which will span from the inside
to the outside and allow for the conduction of chemicals into and out of the cell.
Other Functions
There are several other useful functions of fats in the body.
 | They provide some protection against shock. |
| They also provide thermal insulation. |
| In foods they provide flavor and palatability. |
| Also, of course, they are used as a source of energy. |
We'll take a detailed look at that last function in the separate section on the metabolism
of fats.
Top of Page
E-mail instructor:
Sue Eggling
Clackamas Community College
©2001, 2003 Clackamas Community College, Hal Bender
|
