Group 3 - Lipids

BIOLOGICAL
MACROMOLECULE::
LIPIDS
GROUP 3
What is Lipids?
The word lipid comes from the Greek word
“lipos” which means fat. Lipids are a family of
biomolecules having varied structures. They are
grouped together simply because of their hydrophilic
property (water-fearing). They are soluble in non-
polar solvents such as ether, acetone, and benzene.
Lipids can be classified into
four categories:
• Wax • Triglycerides
• Phospholipids • Steroids
Examples of Lipids:
1. TRIGLYCERIDE FAT AND OIL
2. FATTY ACIDS
3. FAT
4. PHOSPHOLIPIDS
•TRIGLYCERIDE FAT AND OIL
are the most common
examples of lipids. They
are under triglycerides
because they are
composed of glycerol and
three fatty acids.
•FATTY ACIDS
It is essential to
understanding lipids. Fatty
acids are long-chain
carboxylic acids that are
insoluble in water. Fatty
acids can be saturated and
unsaturated.
•FAT
refers to solid triglyceride
usually from animal sources
such as meat, milk, butter,
margarine, eggs, and
cheese. Oil refers to liquid
triglycerides from plant
sources. Examples are olive
oil, corn oil, sunflower oil,
and soybean oil.
•PHOSPHOLIPIDS
Contain glycerol, two fatty acids, and a
phosphate group. Unlike other lipids,
phospholipids have a polar and non-
polar end.
This property allows it to transport
molecules in the bloodstream. It is also
a major component in the cell
membrane.
The two parts of a phospholipid
can be termed as the hydrophilic head
(phosphate group) and hydrophobic
tail (fatty acid group).
The Functions of Lipids in the body:
STORING ENERGY
The excess energy from the food we eat
is digested and incorporated into
adipose tissue, or fatty tissue. Most of
the energy required by the human body
is provided by carbohydrates and lipids.
REGULATING AND SIGNALING
Triglycerides control the body’s internal climate,
maintaining constant temperature. Those who
don’t have enough fat in their bodies tend to feel
cold sooner, are often fatigued, and have
pressure sores on their skin from fatty acid
deficiency. Triglycerides also help the body
produce and regulate hormones.
INSULATING AND PROTECTING
Did you know that up to 30 percent of body
weight is comprised of fat tissue? Some of this
is made up of visceral fat or adipose tissue
surrounding delicate organs. Vital organs such
as the heart, kidneys, and liver are protected
by visceral fat.
Why Lipids are important?
They are important in the diet as energy sources
and as sources of essential fatty acids and fat-soluble
vitamins, which tend to associate with fats. They also
contribute satiety, flavor, and palatability to the diet.
Within the body, lipids function as an energy reserve,
regulate hormones, transmit nerve impulses, cushion
vital organs, and transport fat-soluble nutrients. Fat in
food serves as an energy source with high caloric
density, adds texture and taste, and contributes to
satiety.
What Lipids are made of?
Lipids are an essential component of the cell
membrane. The structure is typically made of a
glycerol backbone, 2 fatty acid tails (hydrophobic),
and a phosphate group (hydrophilic). As such,
phospholipids are amphipathic.
4 main functions of Lipids
The Functions of Lipids in the Body
Storing Energy. The excess energy from the food we
eat is digested and incorporated into adipose tissue,
or fatty tissue.
• Regulating and Signaling.
• Insulating and Protecting
• Aiding Digestion and Increasing
• Bioavailability
Lipids Found:
Different mixtures of lipids are found in the
membranes of cells of different types, as well as
in the various membranes of a single eucaryotic
cell. Some membrane-bound enzymes require
specific lipid head groups in order to function.
The head groups of some lipids form docking
sites for specific cytosolic proteins.
Lipids used in the body:
They are used in the production of cell membranes
and hormones, as well for maintaining vision and
supporting the immune system. These lipids provide
structure and support for the walls of every cell in your
body. Communication between cells is also dependent
upon lipids in your cells' membranes.
Structure of a Lipid Macromolecules:
A fat molecule consists of two kinds of parts:
a glycerol backbone and three fatty acid tails.
Glycerol is a small organic molecule with three
hydroxyl (OH) groups, while a fatty acid consists
of a long hydrocarbon chain attached to a
carboxyl group.
The three biological functions of Lipids:
Lipids perform three primary biological functions
within the body: they serve as structural
components of cell membranes, function as
energy storehouses, and function as important
signaling molecules. The three main types of
lipids are triacylglycerols (also called
triglycerides), phospholipids, and sterols.
8 Classification System of Lipids:
Based on this classification system, lipids
have been divided into eight categories: fatty
acyls, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids,
sphingolipids, saccharolipids and
polyketides (derived from condensation of
ketoacyl subunits); and sterol lipids and
prenol lipids (derived from condensation of
isoprene subunits).
How do we identify a lipid?
Traditional methods for analyzing lipids
rely on a multi-stage analytical approach
consisting of prefractionation into lipid classes
or polar and non-polar lipids followed by
reversed-phase liquid chromatography to
identify individual lipid molecular species based
on their retention times [1–4].
Fin.

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BIOLOGICAL

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