Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

23. Lipids

Fatty Acids

GOB Chemistry

23. Lipids

Fatty Acids

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3:22 minutes

Problem 15

Textbook Question

What are some effects of prostaglandins in the body?

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Prostaglandins are lipid compounds derived from fatty acids that act as signaling molecules in the body. They are produced in nearly all tissues and have diverse physiological effects.

One effect of prostaglandins is their role in inflammation. They are involved in the inflammatory response by promoting vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and increasing the permeability of blood vessels, which allows immune cells to reach the site of injury or infection.

Prostaglandins also play a role in pain sensation. They sensitize nerve endings to pain signals, which is why they are associated with the pain and discomfort of inflammation or injury.

In the gastrointestinal system, prostaglandins help protect the stomach lining by stimulating the production of mucus and bicarbonate, which act as a barrier against stomach acid.

Prostaglandins are involved in regulating smooth muscle contraction, such as in the uterus during labor and in the blood vessels to control blood pressure. They also play a role in processes like fever regulation and blood clotting.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins are lipid compounds derived from fatty acids that play a crucial role in various physiological processes. They are produced in response to injury or infection and act as signaling molecules, influencing inflammation, pain, and fever. Prostaglandins are also involved in regulating blood flow, the formation of blood clots, and the induction of labor.

Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Prostaglandins are key mediators in this process, promoting vasodilation and increasing blood vessel permeability, which allows immune cells to access affected tissues. This response is essential for healing but can lead to chronic inflammation if not properly regulated.

Pain Perception

Pain perception is the process by which the body interprets harmful stimuli as pain. Prostaglandins sensitize nerve endings, making them more responsive to pain signals, which can enhance the sensation of pain during inflammatory responses. This mechanism is why nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, are effective in reducing pain and inflammation.

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Textbook Question

For each of the following fatty acids, give the shorthand notation for the number of carbon atoms and double bonds, and classify as saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated:

a. linoleic acid

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Textbook Question

How does the structure of a fatty acid with a cis double bond differ from the structure of a fatty acid with a trans double bond?

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Textbook Question

How does the double bond influence the dispersion forces that can form between the hydrocarbon chains of fatty acids?

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Textbook Question

Compare the structures and functional groups of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin PGE₁.

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Textbook Question

How does an anti-inflammatory drug reduce inflammation?

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Textbook Question

Sunflower seed oil can be used to make margarine. A triacylglycerol in sunflower seed oil contains two linoleic acids and one oleic acid.

b. Using one of the isomers, write the reaction that takes place when sunflower seed oil is used to make solid margarine.

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Textbook Question

Draw the skeletal structure and give the name and omega number of the following fatty acid:

CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂HC=CHCH₂HC=CHCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂COOH

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Textbook Question

Certain omega-3 fatty acids can be found only in animal sources, such as fatty fish. Two of these are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) [20:5] and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [22:6], both of which are ω-3 fatty acids. DHA has been shown to be important in healthy brain development, so it has recently been added to infant formulas. Breast milk is rich in DHA as long as the mother maintains a healthy diet that includes fish. Draw skeletal structures of the fatty acids EPA and DHA.

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