Introduction to Lipids
Lipids are important biomolecules in living organisms.
Biological Importance
- Energy storage: Lipids like fats store energy.
- Cell membrane structure: Phospholipids form cell membranes.
- Signaling molecules: Lipids can act as signals in body.
Pharmaceutical Importance
- D...
Introduction to Lipids
Lipids are important biomolecules in living organisms.
Biological Importance
- Energy storage: Lipids like fats store energy.
- Cell membrane structure: Phospholipids form cell membranes.
- Signaling molecules: Lipids can act as signals in body.
Pharmaceutical Importance
- Drug delivery: Lipids help deliver medicines.
- Drug formulation: Lipids used in making medicines.
Classification/Types of Lipids
- Triglycerides (fats and oils): Energy storage.
- Phospholipids: Key in cell membranes.
- Steroids: Include cholesterol and hormones (estrogen, testosterone).
- Waxes: Protective coatings.
- Fatty acids: Building blocks of lipids.
Lipids are vital for health and disease.
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Added: Oct 09, 2025
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Biochemistry presentation SUBMITTED FROM : GROUP I BATCH:08 FACULTY OF PHARMACY Introduction by: Bisma Saeed Topic : lipids & types respresented by Bisma Saeed Topic :Classification of lipid represented by Bushra Topic: Biological & Pharmaceutical importance of lipids represented by Rubab Rehan Web searching : Atif ullah , Ayan ,Sahar Book material collection : Ahmed , Areej , Abeer Material analysis : Abeeha ,Abdul Ahad Slide making : Aleena SUBMITTED TO: DR KALPANA
1. Introduction to Lipids Lipids are a broad class of naturally occurring molecules that are hydrophobic or amphiphilic. This includes fats, oils, waxes, certain vitamins, hormones, and most non-protein membrane components.
Fatty Acids: Structure Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains. They can be saturated or unsaturated. a) Structure • General formula: R-COOH • R = long hydrocarbon chain ( usually b ) Saturated vs. Unsaturated • Saturated Fatty Acids : No double bonds (e.g., palmitic acid, stearic acid ) • Unsaturated Fatty Acids : • Monounsaturated (MUFA): One double bond (e.g., oleic acid ) • Polyunsaturated (PUFA): Two or more double bonds (e.g., linoleic acid, arachidonic acid)
2. Triglycerides Composed of glycerol + 3 fatty acids Major storage form of energy in animals Stored in adipose tissue 3. Phospholipids Consist of glycerol + 2 fatty acids + phosphate group + alcohol Amphipathic: hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails Form the structural basis of cell membranes
4. Glycolipids Lipids with a carbohydrate attached Important for cell recognition and signaling Commonly found in neuronal tissue
5.Steroids and Other Lipid Derivatives Derived from cholesterol Include bile acids, steroid hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone ) Cholesterol also modulates membrane fluidity
Classification of Lipids Lipids can be broadly classified in the following categories : I. Based on Saponifiability Saponifiable lipids contain ester linkages and can be hydrolyzed ( saponified ) in the presence of alkali to yield glycerol, fatty acids, and/or alcohols . Non- saponifiable lipids do not contain ester linkages and hence do not undergo saponification . 1. Saponifiable Lipids These lipids yield fatty acids on hydrolysis.
a) Simple Lipids Esters of fatty acids with alcohols . Examples : Fats and oils (Triglycerides) - fatty acids + glycerol Waxes - fatty acids + long-chain alcohols b ) Compound (Complex) Lipids Contain other groups (phosphate, sugar, etc.) in addition to alcohol and fatty acids . Types : Phospholipids - glycerol or sphingosine + fatty acids + phosphate group c) Derived Lipids Compounds derived from hydrolysis of simple and compound lipids . Examples : fatty acids, glycerol, sterols, alcohols, fat-soluble vitamins, hydrocarbons.
2. Non- Saponifiable Lipids Do not contain ester bonds; cannot be hydrolyzed by alkali . Do not yield fatty acids on hydrolysis . Examples : Steroids (e.g., cholesterol, steroid hormones ) Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K ) Terpenes and carotenoids
Biological Importance of Lipids 1. Structural Components : Lipids are major components of cell membranes (phospholipids, cholesterol ). They contribute to membrane fluidity, flexibility, and integrity . 2 . Energy Storage : Triglycerides serve as long-term energy storage molecules . Lipids provide more than twice the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates . 3 . Insulation and Protection : Subcutaneous fat insulates the body and maintains body temperature . Fat also cushions and protects Internal organs. 4. Cell Signaling : Lipids like prostaglandins and leukotrienes act as signaling molecules . Steroid hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogen) derived from cholesterol regulate various physiological processes . 5 . Vitamin Absorption : Lipids help absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K ). 6 . Myelin Sheath Formation : Sphingolipids are vital for nerve cell function and insulation.
Pharmaceutical Importance of Lipids 1. Drug Delivery Systems : Lipid-based carriers (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles) enhance drug solubility, stability, and targeted delivery . Useful for poorly water-soluble drugs . 2 . Controlled Release Formulations : Lipids are used in slow-release formulations to extend drug action and reduce dosing frequency . 3 . Vaccine Formulations : Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are essential in mRNA vaccine delivery (e.g., COVID-19 vaccines). 4. Solubilizers and Emulsifiers : Lipids serve as excipients in formulations, improving drug absorption and bioavailability . 5 . Biocompatibility and Safety : Naturally derived lipids are biocompatible, making them suitable for long-term or sensitive drug delivery applications . 6 . Targeted Therapies : Lipid-based systems can be engineered to target specific tissues or cells, improving therapeutic efficiency and reducing side effects.
Functional Roles of Lipids Energy storage Structural components of membranes Signaling molecules (e.g., prostaglandins from arachidonic acid ) Thermal insulation and protection
Analytical Techniques in Lipid Chemistry Gas chromatography (GC): For fatty acid profiling Thin-layer chromatography (TLC): For separating lipid classes Mass spectrometry (MS): For detailed molecular structure NMR spectroscopy: For structural Thin-layer chromatography (TLC): For separating lipid classes Mass spectrometry (MS): For detailed molecular structure NMR spectroscopy: For structural elucidation
Clinical Relevance Lipid disorders (hyperlipidemia) are linked to cardiovascular diseases Essential fatty acid deficiency can cause dermatitis, growth retardation Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects