Lipids

Triacylglycerols

Used for fat storage. Made up of glycerol and three fatty acids attached through esters. Almost totally nonpolar. Can undergo saponification which breaks them into fatty acids and glycerol

Membrane Lipids

Glycerophospholipids and Sphingolipids. Amphipathic (polar head and two nonpolar tails)

Glycerophospholipid

Two fatty acids, Glycerol and PO4

Sphingolipids

Two nonpolar tails (1 Sphingosine and 1 fatty acid)

Eicosanoids

Involved in signaling. Acts very locally because it’s nonpolar (can’t enter the bloodstream). Acts in very low concentrations

Waxes

Nonpolar esters of long chain fatty acids. Very water insoluble and high melting.

Isoprenoids

All made up of Isoprene unites. Vitamins, Smells/Taste, and Cholesterol (Bile Acids and Steroids)

Cholesterol

Used in membranes. Precursor to bile acids and steroids. Mostly nonpolar (not soluble in blood)

Fatty Acids

Long Carbon Chain with carboxylic acid at the end. Amphipathic (negatively charged head and nonpolar tail). Can be saturated or nonsaturated.

Bile Acids

Made from cholesterol. Emulsify fats in intestines (amphipathic. Synthesized in the liver and stored in the gull bladder.

Steroids

Made from cholesterol. Common examples include estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cortisone, prednisone.