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Biology question on the breakdown of triglcerides?

"Lipases are enzymes that are involved in the breakdown of lipids, such as
triglycerides"

Suggest what effect the breakdown of triglycerides could have on the pH of a reaction mixture.


Can someone explain this? The mark scheme says it causes a drop but I don't understand how though

Spoiler

(edited 9 years ago)
Here's something to consider:

Triglycerides are composed of three fatty ACIDS and glycerol, which in addition to water, are the products of the reaction
Original post by zhang-liao
"Lipases are enzymes that are involved in the breakdown of lipids, such as
triglycerides"

Suggest what effect the breakdown of triglycerides could have on the pH of a reaction mixture.


Can someone explain this? The mark scheme says it causes a drop but I don't understand how though

Spoiler


A triglyceride is made up of one molecule of glycerol with three fatty acids attached. If the triglyceride is hydrolysed, the fatty acids will cause the pH to drop (become more acidic, become more minus, raise the concentration of Hydrogen ions) when they are released.
Original post by zhang-liao
"Lipases are enzymes that are involved in the breakdown of lipids, such as
triglycerides"

Suggest what effect the breakdown of triglycerides could have on the pH of a reaction mixture.


Can someone explain this? The mark scheme says it causes a drop but I don't understand how though

Spoiler



Well, what are triglycerides broken down into? :smile:
When a triglyceride is broken down, it breaks down to form glycerol and three fatty ACIDS. When a solution becomes more acidic the pH decreases.

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Reply 5
Original post by usycool1
Well, what are triglycerides broken down into? :smile:


Original post by beyknowles
A triglyceride is made up of one molecule of glycerol with three fatty acids attached. If the triglyceride is hydrolysed, the fatty acids will cause the pH to drop (become more acidic, become more minus, raise the concentration of Hydrogen ions) when they are released.


Original post by ashelisms
Here's something to consider:

Triglycerides are composed of three fatty ACIDS and glycerol, which in addition to water, are the products of the reaction


Original post by francescac
When a triglyceride is broken down, it breaks down to form glycerol and three fatty ACIDS. When a solution becomes more acidic the pH decreases.

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Aaah I get it now...:colondollar:
The drop is caused by the acidity of the fatty acid chains (aka the lipids)

Sly question, that was...:colondollar:
Original post by zhang-liao
Aaah I get it now...:colondollar:
The drop is caused by the acidity of the fatty acid chains (aka the lipids)

Sly question, that was...:colondollar:


Loool, happy to help :biggrin:

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Reply 7
Original post by usycool1
Well, what are triglycerides broken down into? :smile:


Usy, I can't rep you now because I've repped you before but once I've got the chance, I should do hopefully :biggrin:

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