Introduction to Chemistry of Lipids

2.4. Polyunsaturated fatty acid

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are categorized into three series based on the omega nomenclature. 

• ω-9 fatty acids e.g. oleic acid 

• ω-6 fatty acids e.g. linoleic acid and arachidonic acid 

• ω-3 fatty acids e.g. α-linoleic acid (18:3;9,12,15) and timnodonic acid 

Blood and Lipid

 Cholesterol and triglycerides are the major blood lipid as well as the phospholipids. 

• Cholesterol is an important lipid found in the cell membrane. It is a sterol formed from the combination of steroid and an alcohol. 

• The fluidity of the cell membrane is owed to cholesterol. Cholesterol is insoluble in the blood and so must be carried by a specific protein (lipoprotein) to facilitate its movement in the blood.