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
2.4. 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.