🧈 DAT Lipids Explained: Triglycerides, Phospholipids, and Steroids

Lipids show up on the DAT in questions about:

• Cell membranes

• Hormone synthesis

• Energy storage

• Macromolecule structure and function

DAT questions often ask about lipid types, polarity, and biological roles.

🧪 Types of Lipids to Know

1. Triglycerides (Fats & Oils)

• Composed of glycerol + 3 fatty acids

• Linked by ester bonds via dehydration synthesis

• Store long-term energy

• Saturated fats: no double bonds, solid at room temp

• Unsaturated fats: one or more double bonds, liquid at room temp

2. Phospholipids

• Glycerol + 2 fatty acids + phosphate group

• Amphipathic: hydrophilic head + hydrophobic tails

• Form bilayers in cell membranes

3. Steroids

• Four fused hydrocarbon rings

• No fatty acids!

• Includes cholesterol, testosterone, estrogen

• Function in signaling and membrane fluidity

🧠 DAT-Style Lipid Comparison Table

Lipid Type	Monomers / Components	Function	Found In
Triglyceride	Glycerol + 3 fatty acids	Long-term energy storage	Adipose tissue, oils, fats
Phospholipid	Glycerol + 2 FAs + phosphate	Membrane structure	Plasma membranes
Steroid	4 fused rings	Hormones, signaling	Cholesterol, steroid hormones

🔍 DAT Question Examples

• “Which lipid is amphipathic and forms bilayers?”

• “What type of bond connects fatty acids to glycerol?”

• “What are steroids derived from?”

💡 Quick DAT Tips for Lipids

• Triglyceride = 3 fatty acids

• Phospholipid = 2 fatty acids + phosphate

• Steroid = 4-ring backbone, no fatty acids

• Lipids are nonpolar or amphipathic, NOT polymers!

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✅ Summary

• Lipids = diverse macromolecules for energy, structure, and signaling

• Understand differences in structure: triglyceride vs phospholipid vs steroid

• Know where each is found biologically

• DAT loves to test on amphipathic function and membrane roles

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