Lipids

What are Lipids?

Monomers:
Glycerol and Fatty Acids

Lipids are a family of organic compounds

that are mostly hydrophobic substances
and are insoluble in water.
Lipids contain Hydrogen, Carbon, and
Oxygen atoms.
They are also fatty, waxy, or oily
compounds that are soluble in organic
solvents and insoluble in polar solvents
such as water.
 Functions of Lipids

Long-term energy They act as precursors

storage for some hormones

found in cell
Lipids are good thermal membranes
insulators
 Main Categories of Lipids

Triglycerides Phospholipids Steroids Waxes

Triglyceride Structure
Triglycerides consist of glycerol
and three fatty acid chains.

The glycerol molecule acts as a

backbone, while the fatty acid
chains attach to it.

The fatty acid chains can be

saturated (no double bonds) or
unsaturated (one or more double
bonds)
 Triglyceride
Saturated VS Unsaturated Fatty acids

Unsaturated fats have a carbon

Every carbon wants to have four bonds. which has a double bond with
In saturated fats, each carbon has four hydrogens another carbon. This double bond
bonded to it. This gives it a straight structure. gives the molecule a bent
structure,
 Triglyceride
Saturated VS Unsaturated Fatty acids
unsaturated fatty acid
saturated fatty acid

when stacked
when stacked
 Triglyceride
Saturated VS Unsaturated Fatty acids
monounsaturated fatty acid
saturated fatty acid

butter
olive oil
solid at room temperature liquid at room temperature
form fats form oils
Mainly from animals mainly from plants
increase levels of "bad-cholesterols" increase levels of "good-cholesterols"
High melting point Low melting point
single bonds double bonds
 Triglyceride
Saturated VS Unsaturated Fatty acids
saturated fats unsaturated fats

fatty meat seeds

butter sesame oil
olive oil

cheese
creamer full-cream millk most nuts avocado
 Triglyceride
Forms of Unsaturated fats

CIS FAT TRANS FAT

hydrogens in same plane hydrogens in two different planes

Phospholipid Structure
A phospholipid is composed of one
glycerol backbone, two fatty acid
chains, and a phosphate group.

The phosphate group forms the

hydrophilic (water-loving) "head"

The fatty acid chains. which are

hydrophobic (water-fearing) make
up the hydrophobic tail region
 Phospholipid
Bilayer

Phospholipids are the primary components The hydrophilic heads interact with water,
of cell membranes, which separate the both inside and outside the cell, while the
internal cellular environment from the hydrophobic tails face each other in the
external surroundings interior of the bilayer, creating a barrier
Steroids Structure
Steroids are a type of lipid
characterized by a distinctive ring
structure.

The core structure of steroids

consists of four fused carbon rings.

Different functional groups

attached to the rings determine
the specific type and function of
the steroid molecule.
 Steroids
Cholesterol

roid
ste

Cholesterol is a vital steroid found

in cell membranes and serves as a
precursor for the synthesis of other
steroids.
 Steroids
Hormones

Estrogen is a steroid hormone associated Testosterone is the primary male hormone

with the female reproductive organs and responsible for regulating sex
is responsible for developing female differentiation, producing male sex
sexual characteristics. characteristics, spermatogenesis, and
fertility.
Waxes Structure
Waxes are a type of lipid
characterized by longchain fatty
acids bonded to long-chain alcohols

The structure of a wax molecule

consists of a nonpolar hydrocarbon
chain, which makes up the fatty
acid portion, and a polar hydroxyl
group from the alcohol portion.

The hydrophobic nature of waxes

contributes to their unique
properties.
Functions of Waxes
Waxes serve as a protective barrier
against water loss in plants and animals.
They prevent excessive evaporation from
plant surfaces and provide water
repellency to the feathers, fur, or skin of
animals, keeping them dry.
Waxes are produced in the ears of some
animals and humans to protect the
eardrum.

Bees construct honey combs from waxes.

 Practical Applications of Waxes
Candles
Waxes, such as beeswax or paraffin
wax, are commonly used in candle
making due to their ability to melt
easily, burn steadily, and produce a
pleasant aroma.
Polishing Agents
Waxes are used in various
polishing and coating
applications. They provide a
smooth and protective finish
on surfaces like wood, cars,
or floors.
Cosmetics
Waxes are often used in the
formulation of cosmetics,
such as lip balms, lotions,
and creams, to provide
emollient properties and
improve texture.
 Lipids
Fatty Acids Glycerol

Saturated Unsaturated

Main Categories

Triglycerides Phospholipids Steroids Waxes