LIPIDS

Lipids

Structurally heterogeneous group of compounds that are soluble in nonpolar organic solvents and insoluble in water.

Types of Lipids

Energy-storage lipids, emulsification lipids, membrane lipids, messenger lipids, and protective-coating lipids.

Fatty acids

Monocarboxylic acids with long chains of carbon that can be saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain only single bonds between carbon atoms.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain one or more double bonds between carbon atoms.

Triacylglycerols

Energy-storage lipids formed by the esterification of three fatty acids to one glycerol.

Phospholipids

Lipid molecules that consist of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group.

Sphingoglycolipids

Membrane lipids that contain a fatty acid and a carbohydrate attached to sphingosine.

Cholesterol

A membrane lipid that functions as a precursor for several types of lipids.

Lipid Bilayer

The fundamental structure of a cell membrane formed by two layers of lipid molecules.

Passive Transport

Movement of molecules across a membrane along a concentration gradient without energy expenditure.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient requiring cellular energy expenditure.

Bile Acids

Cholesterol derivatives that function as emulsification lipids in the digestive tract.

Steroid Hormones

Cholesterol derivatives that act as messenger lipids in the body.

Eicosanoids

Fatty acid derivatives that function as messenger lipids, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Saponifiable lipids

Lipids that undergo saponification when placed in a basic aqueous solution.

Nonsaponifiable lipids

Lipids that do not undergo saponification and include cholesterol and steroid hormones.

Prostaglandins

A type of eicosanoid involved in various physiological functions, including pain and inflammation.

Thromboxanes

Eicosanoids that promote blood clot formation.

Leukotrienes

Eicosanoids involved in inflammation and allergic responses.

Triglycerides

Fats or oils formed from glycerol and three fatty acids.

Essential Fatty Acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids that the body cannot synthesize, such as linoleic and linolenic acids.

Hydrogenation

The process of adding hydrogen to unsaturated fats, converting them into saturated fats.

Oxidation

The reaction that can make fats and oils rancid, often requiring antioxidants to slow the process.

Biological Waxes

Lipids that are monoesters of long-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols.

Cholic Acid

One of the major types of bile acids, derived from cholesterol.

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

An essential omega-3 fatty acid crucial for brain function.

Lecithins

A type of glycerophospholipid abundant in egg yolks and brain tissue.

Cephalins

A type of glycerophospholipid found in brain and nerve tissue.

Sphingosine

The platform molecule in sphingoglycolipids.

Gallstones

Solid particles that develop in the gallbladder, often due to excess cholesterol.

VLDL

Very Low-Density Lipoproteins that transport triglycerides in the bloodstream.

LDL

Low-Density Lipoproteins that transport cholesterol towards body cells.

HDL

High-Density Lipoproteins that transport cholesterol to the liver and are considered 'good' cholesterol.

Adipocytes

Specialized cells that store fat in the form of triglycerides.

Arachidonic Acid

A polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid precursor for eicosanoids.

Chylomicrons

Lipoproteins that transport dietary lipids from the intestines.

Medium-chain Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with chain lengths between 8 and 10 carbon atoms.

Long-chain Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with chain lengths of 12 to 24 carbon atoms.

DHA

A polyunsaturated fatty acid essential for neurological health.

Carnauba Wax

A natural wax from palm trees used in various polishing products.

Myelin Sheath

The protective covering surrounding nerve fibers, rich in sphingolipids.

Alcohol + Phosphate + Fatty Acid

General structure of a phospholipid.

Hydrolysis

The reaction involving water to break down fats into glycerol and fatty acids.

Cerebrosides

Sphingoglycolipids that contain a single sugar unit.

Gangliosides

Sphingoglycolipids that are composed of branched sugar chains.

Anabolic Steroids

Synthetic derivatives of testosterone with muscle-building properties.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones that control glucose metabolism and inflammation responses.