Lipids
Lipids
Biochemistry
November 13, 2013
Lipids
Lipids are families of biomolecules including fats and oils, waxes, steroids , cholesterol and fat soluble vitamins. All lipids are naturally occurring compounds varying greatly in structure but share the common feature of being soluble in non polar solvents such as chloroform and ether but not in water. Lipids consist mainly of carbon and hydrogen atoms linked by non polar covalent bonds, they include a diverse range of compounds many of which have little in way of structure or function to relate them. Lipids perform many functions in the body such as insulation, energy storage and are found in nerve fibers and hormones. They also make up about 18-20% of body mass in lean adults.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides which are commonly know as fats and oils are the primary type of lipid found in the human body and food. Triglycerides can either be solids or liquid at room temperature, the fat being solid and oils being liquid. They are derived from animal fat and plant oils and are composed of a single glycerol molecule attached to three fatty acid molecules by dehydration synthesis reactions. In contrast to the alcohol component of glycerol, the acid component may be any number of fatty acids. The type of fatty acid determines the structure and fat saturation. One of the most important function of these types of fats in the body is its contribution to membrane structure by the formation of the phospholipid bilayer of cells regulating cell membrane permeability. Triglycerides also protect the organs in the body, provide insulation and are a stored energy source in adipose tissue. Triglycerides can be used to provide energy in muscle and other tissue, they are the body 's highest concentration of chemical energy. Triglycerides can provide more than twice as much energy per gram than carbohydrates or proteins.Glycerol
Biochemistry
November 13, 2013
Lipids
Lipids are families of biomolecules including fats and oils, waxes, steroids , cholesterol and fat soluble vitamins. All lipids are naturally occurring compounds varying greatly in structure but share the common feature of being soluble in non polar solvents such as chloroform and ether but not in water. Lipids consist mainly of carbon and hydrogen atoms linked by non polar covalent bonds, they include a diverse range of compounds many of which have little in way of structure or function to relate them. Lipids perform many functions in the body such as insulation, energy storage and are found in nerve fibers and hormones. They also make up about 18-20% of body mass in lean adults.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides which are commonly know as fats and oils are the primary type of lipid found in the human body and food. Triglycerides can either be solids or liquid at room temperature, the fat being solid and oils being liquid. They are derived from animal fat and plant oils and are composed of a single glycerol molecule attached to three fatty acid molecules by dehydration synthesis reactions. In contrast to the alcohol component of glycerol, the acid component may be any number of fatty acids. The type of fatty acid determines the structure and fat saturation. One of the most important function of these types of fats in the body is its contribution to membrane structure by the formation of the phospholipid bilayer of cells regulating cell membrane permeability. Triglycerides also protect the organs in the body, provide insulation and are a stored energy source in adipose tissue. Triglycerides can be used to provide energy in muscle and other tissue, they are the body 's highest concentration of chemical energy. Triglycerides can provide more than twice as much energy per gram than carbohydrates or proteins.Glycerol
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