Lipids The word lipid is derived from a Greek word “lipos” which means Fat. A lipid is a macrobiomolecule that is soluble in non polar solvents. Non- polar solvents are typically hydrocarbons u sed to dissolve. Do not (or do not easily) dissolve in water.
Functions The functions of lipids include storing energy, signaling, and acting as structural components of cell membranes. Lipids have applications in the cosmetic and food industries. Act as electric insulators in neurons help in absorption of fat soluble vitamins . They provide the structural components of membranes (phospholipids, glycolipids, galactolipids, sphingolipids) Acts as surfactant, detergents and emulsifying agents
Classifications Four types Simple : Fatty acids and Alcohols Compound (complex): Fatty acids, Alcohols & other groups. Derived: derived from simple and complex both. Miscellaneous: possesses characteristics of lipids.
Lipids Simple lipids These are esters of Fatty acids with various alcohols. Complex lipids These are Esters of fatty acids containing groups e.g. Phosphate, nitrogen, carbohydrates, sulphur etc. + + Derived lipids These are derived from simple or complex lipids. It contains a hydrocarbon ring along with long fatty acid chain side chain. + Miscellaneous lipids These are the compounds having characteristics of lipids . Carotenoids Squalene Terpenes Pentacepore Fatty acids Alcohols + Fatty acids Alcohols Other Groups Hydro carbon Hydro carbon
Simple lipids 1.Triacylglycerol (triglyceride) Most abundant lipid in animals. Composed of fatty acids and glycerol. Storage form of lipids. Source of energy. 2. Waxes Composed of fatty acids and glycerol.
Fatty Acids It is Simplest form of lipids It Usually contains an even number of carbon atoms (14C-20C) Biosynthesis of fatty acid occurs with sequential addition of 2 carbon atom. Chain may be saturated ( containing no double bonds ) or unsaturated ( containing one or more double bonds ) It is found in esterified form. Fats of animal origin are more simple than that of plant origin. Examples are Palmitic acid and stearic acid
Essential fatty acids The fatty acid cant be synthesized by the body and therefore has to be supplied in the diet. PUFA (Linoleic acid and Linolenic acid) FUNCTIONS Membrane structures and functions Transport of cholesterol Formation of lipoprotein Prevention of fatty liver Disorder due to Deficiency Phrynoderma,toad skin
Compound lipids 1. Phospholipids It Contains fatty acid, alcohols, Nitrogen base phosphoric acid. Examples Lecithin, Cephalin etc Phospholids are of 2 types: Glycerophospholipids: contains glycerol as alcohol. Sphingophospholipids: contain sphingosine as alcohol.
Functions of Phospholipids Phospholipids provide barriers in cellular membranes to protect the cell, they make barriers for the organelles within those cells. Phospholipids work to provide pathways for various substances across membranes. SPHINGOPHOSPHOLIPIDS Found in large quantities in brain and nerve Tissue. The combination of sphingosine plus fatty acid is known as ceramide – found in glycosphingolipids
Derived/precursor lipids These are derived from simple or complex lipids. It contains a hydrocarbon ring along with long fatty acid chain side chain. It Includes Fatty acid, Glycerol, mono acyl glycerol Steroids, Cholesterol, Ketone body, Vit A,D, E, K
Steroids • Steroids compound containing cyclic steroid nucleus. • Several steroids in biological systems. – Cholestrol – Bile acids – Vitamin D – Sex Hormone – Adrenocortical hormones – Cardiac glycosides – Alkaloids
Derived/precursor lipids CHOLESTEROL It is a precursor of a large number of equally important steroids Bile acids, Adrenocortical hormones, Sex hormones, D vitamins – Ergosterol Cardiac glycosides Function Present in nervous tissues – insulating cover Biochemical function – precursor for many biochemical substances and component of cell membrane.
Bile acids It synthesized from cholesterol in the liver. Bile acids keep bile cholesterol in a soluble state as micelles to promote the digestion of lipids in the intestine. Primary bile acids : Cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid Secondary bile acids : lithocholic acid and deoxycholic acid.
Miscellaneous lipids These are the lipids having characteristics of lipids but having different characteristic group. Carotenoids Squalene Terpenes Pentacepore
Saturated Fats Saturated fats have no double bonds in their chemical structure. They are “ saturated ” with hydrogen atoms. Because of their chemical structure, they have a solid consistency at room temperature. Saturated fats can be found in a variety of foods, including: Animal meat including beef, poultry, pork. Certain plant oils such as palm kernel or coconut oil. Dairy products including cheese, butter, and milk.
Unsaturated Fats Unsaturated fats are typically liquid at room temperature. They differ from saturated fats in that their chemical structure contains one or more double bonds. They can be further categorized as: Monounsaturated Fats: It contains only one double bond in its structure and liquid at room temperature. e.g. canola oil and olive oil. Polyunsaturated Fats: It contains two or more double bonds in their structure and liquid at room temperature. e.g. safflower oil, sunflower oil, and corn oil.