Lipids
Overview
Notes
, Indroduction
lipids can be-
described as a diverse group of
organic molecules found in all living organisms.
Due to their non-polar or hydrophobic nature,
they are insoluble or only slightly soluble in water
but dissolve easily in non-polar organic solvents
such as ether, chloroform, benzene, acetone, and
alcohol.
Chemically, lipids are mainly made up of carbon,
hydrogen, and oxygen, with some complex lipids
also containing phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur.
Unlike proteins and carbohydrates, lipids do not
form true polymers as they lack repeating
monomeric units.
Most lipids are esters of fatty acids with alcohols,
typically glycerol.
They serve as energy storage molecules,
structural components of biological membranes,
and precursors for hormones and signaling
molecules.
, Chemical Composition of Lipids
Lipids are primarily composed of:
Carbon (C)
Hydrogen (H)
Oxygen (O)
Some complex lipids additionally contain:
Phosphorus (P) – phospholipids
Nitrogen (N) – sphingolipids
Sulfur (S) – certain glycolipids
The hydrogen to oxygen ratio in lipids is much
higher than that found in carbohydrates, making
lipids highly energy-rich molecules.
Overview
Notes
, Indroduction
lipids can be-
described as a diverse group of
organic molecules found in all living organisms.
Due to their non-polar or hydrophobic nature,
they are insoluble or only slightly soluble in water
but dissolve easily in non-polar organic solvents
such as ether, chloroform, benzene, acetone, and
alcohol.
Chemically, lipids are mainly made up of carbon,
hydrogen, and oxygen, with some complex lipids
also containing phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur.
Unlike proteins and carbohydrates, lipids do not
form true polymers as they lack repeating
monomeric units.
Most lipids are esters of fatty acids with alcohols,
typically glycerol.
They serve as energy storage molecules,
structural components of biological membranes,
and precursors for hormones and signaling
molecules.
, Chemical Composition of Lipids
Lipids are primarily composed of:
Carbon (C)
Hydrogen (H)
Oxygen (O)
Some complex lipids additionally contain:
Phosphorus (P) – phospholipids
Nitrogen (N) – sphingolipids
Sulfur (S) – certain glycolipids
The hydrogen to oxygen ratio in lipids is much
higher than that found in carbohydrates, making
lipids highly energy-rich molecules.
