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
2.8. Low density lipoprotein (LDL)
Further removal of triglycerides from the VLDL yields LDL which is very rich in cholesterol and cholesteryl esters and also apoB-100 as the major apolipoprotein.
• LDL facilitates the movement of cholesterol to the
extrahepatic tissues that have specific plasma
membrane receptors that recognize apoB-100.
- LDL carries cholesterol to cells in the body, where it's used for cell repair.
Plaque formation
- LDL is involved in the formation of plaque in arteries, which can lead to heart disease, strokes, and other vascular diseases
Immune system
LDL interferes with the quorum sensing system of Staphylococcus aureus, which helps the bacteria infect