cholesterol transport and plasma lipid regualting drugs

What are lipids

Lipids are a broad group of molecules that are generally poorly soluble in water

Being said lipids are a broad group of molecules name the 4 groups

1. Fatty acid

2. Phospholipids

3. Triglycerides

4. Cholesterol

What are fatty acids made up of

Fuel + building blocks of triglycerides and phospholipids

What are phospholipids made up of

Hydrophobic head

Hydrophillic tails

Why are triglycerides used for

Energy storage

What id cholesterol used for

Membranes

Steroid hormones

Bile acids

Why does the body use cholesterol

1. Used in cell membranes- help membranes stay flexible but stable

2. Convert into bile acids- help the intestine absorb dietary fats

3. Convert into steroids hormone (adrenal glands)- e.g, cortisol and aldosterone

Name the 5 steroid hormones cholesterol use

1. Glucocorticods-

Where does cholesterol come from

1. From food- exogenous

2. Made by cells- endogenous

What organ in the body absorbs cholesterol

Small intestine

Can the body make cholesterol without dietary supply

Yes

Name the two forms cholesterol has and what do they travel though

1. Free cholesterol- no fatty acids attached and this is used in cell membrane (poorly soluble)

2. Cholesterol ester- a fatty acids attached is attached and it is stored in lipid droplets inside the cells (even less compatible with water)

They travel through watery blood