Introduction to Chemistry of Lipids
Lipids comprises heterogeneous group of compounds which are insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar organic solvents such us benzene, chloroform, and ether, present in all living organisms.
The group includes fats, oils, waxes and related compounds.
General Functions of Lipids
i. They are efficient energy sources.
ii. Serve as thermal insulators.
iii. They are structural components of the cell membrane.
iv. Serve as precursors for hormones (steroid hormones).
v. They also dissolve the vitamins, which are fat-soluble and assist their digestion.
2. Classification base on composition
2.7. Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL)
Excess fatty acids and carbohydrates are converted to triacylglycerols in the liver and packaged with specific apolipoproteins into VLDL.
• These lipoproteins are transported in the blood
from the liver to muscle and adipose tissue,
where activation of lipoprotein lipase by apoC-II
causes the release of free fatty acids from the
VLDL triglycerides
Biological importance
VLDL acts as a carrier molecule, transporting triglycerides and cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues throughout the body, essentially delivering energy-rich fats to cells that need them for storage or usage, thus playing a key role in lipid metabolism and overall energy balance.