Unsaturated fats- They are called unsaturated because along the carbon chain there are double bonds. These double bonds do not allow the lipid to become solid at room temperature. These fats are better for consumption (to eat) as they are less likely to lead to heart disease.
Saturated fat- Saturated fats have each carbon in the carbon chain bonded singularly to a carbon next to it or a hydrogen atom. There are no double bonds in saturated fats so the molecule remains solid at room temperature, like butter, lard and animal fats. You should limit the intake of the amount of saturated fats in your diet they lead to heart disease and other serious health complications.
What Are Lipids? Lipids are like the body's storage units and energy sources. They're a type of molecule that's essential for life. You can think of lipids as the body's way of saving up energy and building important parts.
What Are They Made Of? Lipids are made of smaller molecules called fatty acids. It's like having different types of building blocks that can be arranged in different ways to create various lipids.
How Are They Made? In your body, lipids are made in a process called lipid synthesis. This usually happens in cells called adipocytes, which are like the body's fat factories. These cells assemble fatty acids into different types of lipids.
Function in Humans and Animals:
Energy Storage: Lipids are like your body's backup battery. When you eat more food than your body needs right away, the extra energy gets stored as lipids. This stored energy can be used later when you need it.
Insulation: Lipids are like a warm, cozy blanket for your body. They help keep you warm by providing insulation and protection from the cold.
Cushioning and Protection: Lipids can be found surrounding certain organs like your kidneys. They're like a cushion that keeps your organs safe from bumps and shocks.
Cell Membranes: Lipids are essential for making cell membranes. They're like the walls of your cells, controlling what goes in and out.
Lipids in Plants: Yes, there are lipids in plants too! Plants use lipids for many of the same reasons as animals. They store energy in the form of lipids and use them to build important parts of cells. Also, some lipids in plants help with things like making leaves shiny or protecting them from water loss.
So, to sum it up: Lipids are energy-saving molecules made of fatty acids. They're like the body's savings account and have roles in energy storage, insulation, protection, and making cell membranes. They're important for both humans and animals, as well as plants!
The text provided aligns with several Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and New York State Next Generation Science Standards (NYSSLS) in the area of Structure and Function for middle school science. Here are the relevant standards:
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
MS-LS1-3: This standard focuses on the organization of matter and energy flow in organisms. The text describes lipids as energy-saving molecules and explains their roles in energy storage, insulation, and protection. This aligns with the concept of matter and energy flow in living organisms.
MS-LS1-7: While not explicitly mentioned, this standard deals with the role of matter and energy in the organization of living systems. The text indirectly relates to this standard by discussing the functions of lipids in both humans and plants.
New York State Next Generation Science Standards (NYSSLS):
LS1: Structure and Properties of Matter: The text aligns with the LS1 performance expectations related to understanding the structure and properties of lipids, including their composition of fatty acids.
LS2: Chemical Reactions: The text indirectly relates to LS2 as it discusses the chemical processes involved in lipid synthesis within cells.
LS3: Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems: The text directly aligns with LS3 as it addresses the role of lipids in matter and energy storage and flow within organisms, including their functions in energy storage and insulation.
Overall, the text provides a clear and engaging explanation of lipids, their structure, and their functions in both animals and plants, aligning with both NGSS and NYSSLS standards for middle school science.