Some questions about Lipids...

[leftventricle]

I was reading my textbook and some questions popped into my mind.

Lipids - the macromolecules are supposed to be insoluble in water
1) What does that mean exactly? They don't dissolve? What DOES dissolve, sugars?

More specifically - fats:
2) Unsaturated fatty acids can be hydrogenated to make them semi-solid at room temperature (ie shortening), does that make it unhealthy?

[magicsiew]

1) when you mix oil and water together, will they mix or separated to 2 layers?

2) Fatty acid alone hard to say if it is healthy or unhealthy. Natural food contains both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Of cause sole saturated fatty acids are not good for health, but I don't think there is any food that solely consisted of saturated fat. Remember LDL and HDL? Check it out on HDL for more information.

[JackBean]

the unsaturated FAs are said to be good (especially omega-3), while saturated (coing from animal fats) are not good for health

[leftventricle]

Alright,

also I thought I might ask what characteristics of wax make them well suited to the role of nature's main waterproofing agent? Like when it's used in cutin and stuff.

[magicsiew]

That is due to hydrophobic, wax has high amount of CH3 which is hydrophobic.

[JackBean]

look from what is wax made of. They are esters of very long fatty acids with very long fatty acids.