Question

1. what type of specific lipid does this molecule represent? 18. which end of this molecule would interact with water, the head or the tail? 19. where do we find this specific lipid in the human body? 20. what is the function of lipids, in general, in the human body?

Explanation:

1. The molecule shown is a phospholipid. Phospholipids have a glycerol backbone, two fatty - acid tails (one saturated and one unsaturated in the diagram) and a phosphate - containing head group.
2. The head of the phospholipid molecule, which contains the phosphate group, is hydrophilic and will interact with water. The tails, which are fatty acids, are hydrophobic.
3. Phospholipids are major components of cell membranes. They form a bilayer structure in which the hydrophilic heads face the aqueous environments inside and outside the cell, and the hydrophobic tails are in the interior of the bilayer.
4. Lipids in general have several functions in the human body. They are important for energy storage (e.g., triglycerides), insulation, protection of organs, and as components of cell membranes (e.g., phospholipids and cholesterol).

Answer:

1. Phospholipid
2. Head
3. Cell membranes
4. Energy storage, insulation, organ protection, cell - membrane component