The Structure and Function of Lipids

The Structure and Function of Lipids

There are two types of lipids there is the simple lipids which are

things like fats and oils the other type of lipid is the complex

lipids which consist of waxes, steroids and vitamins (A,E,K). Lipids

are organic compounds and are insoluble in water. They are similar to

carbohydrates because carbohydrates contain carbon, oxygen and

hydrogen but the difference is that lipids have a lot less oxygen.

There are two and fats- which are solid at room temperature. The

chemistry in lipids varies but they all are made up of three fatty

acids and an alcohol, usually glycerol. The alcohol contains hydroxyl

groups. Glycerol contains three hydroxyl groups and each can combine

with a fatty acid forming a triglycerides.

Fatty acids are made up of long hydrocarbon chains contain a carboxyl

group (-COOH). Fatty acids do not necessarily have to have double

bonds . A good example of fatty acids that have double bonds are oils.

If a fatty acid has only one double bond it is called a

monounsaturated fatty acid, fatty acids with many double bonds are

called polyunsaturated fatty acids. The double bonds give the fatty

acids kinks in their structure. If a fatty acid has no double bonds

then it is called a saturated fatty acid. The hydrocarbon chain gives

the triglycerides their insoluble characteristics.

Triglycerides have many functions such as energy source, energy store,

insulation, buoyancy, protection, water proofing and cell membranes.

Despite the fact that all triglycerides are made in the same way (one

gleceride and three fatty acids) the functions are very different. For

example tri glycerines give mammals insulation and give plants

waterproofing on there leaves, as well as giving protection to all

animals by surrounding the heart.

Triglycerides are made up of one glycerol and three fatty acids they

join via a condensation reaction. To reverse this reaction hydrolysis

must take place. In a condensation oxygen and hydrogen are removed

from the reaction (H2O).

The structure of phospholipids is the same chemical structure as