Summary BCHM 201- Foundations of Biochemistry , ISBN: 9781602635296 |Content Comprehensively Covered| Ultimate Guide A+

PR BCHM 201
Foundations of Biochemistry
O
FDLecture 8
O
Lipid Structure and Function

C

,Definition

• Lipids are diverse group of molecules grouped together
PR
because they are insoluble in water but soluble in non-
polar solvents.
O
• Lipids are a class of fat-soluble compounds like fatty
FD
acids and their derivatives which form basic building
blocks of biological membranes.
• Most lipids consist of a polar (hydrophilic) head and a
O
non-polar (hydrophobic) fatty acid tail. i.e. lipids are
amphipathic molecules. C

,Physical Properties of Lipids

• Soluble in non-polar organic solvents e.g
chloroform.PR
• Contain C, H, O
• Sometimes N & PO
FD
• Includes fats and oils – mostly triglycerides
• Fat: solid at room temperature
O
• Oil: liquid at room temperature

C
• More highly reduced than carbohydrates
• more energy

, Lipids or Glucose for Energy?


H3C
C
H2
C
C
PR
H2
C
C
H2
C
C
H2
C
C
H2
C
C
H2
C
C
H2
C
C
H2
C
C
O

H2 H2 H2
O H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 OH




HO
HC O
CH
FD
More reduced state (more H bound to C)
 More potential for oxidation

HC OH O
HO
HO
CH
CH
C
Less reduced state (more O bound to C)
 Less potential for oxidation
CH2OH