Lesson 5.1. Characteristics of Lipids

Lipids

family of structurally diverse compounds whose similarity is only their lack of polarity

hydrophobic

Lipids are lipophilic, meaning they are:

Triacylglycerols

USES OF LIPIDS:

• stored energy

Phospholipids

USES OF LIPIDS:

• composition of cell membranes

Sphingolipids

USES OF LIPIDS:

• major composition of nerve tissue

waxes

USES OF LIPIDS:

• protective layer/coating

vitamins

USES OF LIPIDS:

• can be A, D, E, K

Messengers/Hormones

USES OF LIPIDS:

• steroidal hormones, eicosanoids

Bile Acids

USES OF LIPIDS:

• digestion and emulsification