Lipid
Lipid[edit | edit source]
Lipids are a diverse group of biological molecules that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents. They play crucial roles in cell structure, energy storage, and signaling.
Classification[edit | edit source]
Lipids can be classified into several categories based on their structure and function:
Fatty Acids[edit | edit source]
Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains. They can be saturated or unsaturated, depending on the presence of double bonds.
Glycerolipids[edit | edit source]
Glycerolipids include triglycerides, which are the main form of stored energy in animals. They consist of glycerol esterified with three fatty acids.
Phospholipids[edit | edit source]
Phospholipids are a major component of cell membranes. They contain a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid tails, and a phosphate group.
Sphingolipids[edit | edit source]
Sphingolipids are important components of the myelin sheath of nerve cells. They are based on a sphingosine backbone.
Steroids[edit | edit source]
Steroids have a characteristic four-ring structure. Cholesterol is a well-known steroid that is a precursor to many hormones.
Eicosanoids[edit | edit source]
Eicosanoids are signaling molecules derived from arachidonic acid. They include prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes.
Terpenes[edit | edit source]
Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds produced by a variety of plants. They are the primary constituents of essential oils.
Functions[edit | edit source]
Lipids serve several key functions in biological systems:
- Energy Storage: Lipids are a dense form of energy storage, providing more than twice the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates.
- Structural Components: Phospholipids and cholesterol are essential components of cell membranes, providing structural integrity and fluidity.
- Signaling Molecules: Lipids such as steroid hormones and eicosanoids play critical roles in cell signaling and regulation.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
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