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Structure & Function

Lipids are organic compounds characterized by their non-polar, hydrophobic nature. They encompass several classes, including fatty acids, fats, phospholipids, and steroids. Fatty acids consist of long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group (-COOH), making them part hydrophilic and part hydrophobic. Fats and oils act as energy storage, while phospholipids are vital for cell membranes. Steroids, derived from lipids, play essential roles in hormone production and maintaining membrane fluidity. Understanding these components is crucial for grasping cellular function and health.

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Structure & Function

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  1. LIPIDS Structure & Function

  2. Characteristics • Definition: Organic (carbon-containing) compounds that are non-polar hydrophbic compounds • Several distinct classes of lipids all are characterized by: • Fatty Acids simplest lipids consist of long hydrocarbon chains, with a carboxyl group at one end (-COOH). • The carboxyl group is hydrophilic (“water loving”) • Hydrocarbon end is non-polar and hydrophobic (“water fearing”) • 3 Types: • Fats - oils, fats, waxes • Phospholipids – important for cell membrane • Steroids – 4 fused carbon rings + functional group

  3. Functions • Storing long-term energy • Cellular/plasma membrane • Hormones - Steroids • Insulation • Protect internal organs

  4. FATS • Structure of a fat: • Fatty Acids are building block of fats • Triglycerides (fats and oils): Made from 1 glycerol + 3 fatty acid tails • Formed by dehydration reaction • Example: Fats: Butter, lard Oils: Corn oil, olive oil, margarine • Note: Vary in length and location of double bonds in tail • TWO major functions of fats and oils: • 1) Energy storage. • 2) Cushions and insulates the body and nerves. • Saturated fatty acids have no C=C double bonds (generally un-healthy) • Unsaturated fatty acid have 1 or more C=C double bonds (generally healthy) • Polyunsaturated fats – more than 1 C=C double bonds

  5. Phospholipids • Lipid bilayers = the plasma membrane of every cell and the membranes within eukaryotic cells • Structure - similar to a triglycerides, but has only 2 fatty acid tails • "head" water soluble, or hydrophilic. The long hydrocarbon tail is hydrophobic. • Function: Phospholipids self assemble into bilayers that shield the tail from water = forming membranes (phospholipid bilayers!).

  6. Sterols • Steroids: Cholesterol, steroid hormones • Structure: Made from lipids. Have no fatty acids in their structure, but are very hydrophobic • Major Function: • 1) Help to maintain membrane fluidity • 2) Sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen and progesterone) are all made from cholesterol. • Cholesterol has a CRUCIAL role in the functioning of our cells-membranes. However, too much cholestereol in the diet is known to be a factor in atherosclerosis and heart disease. (*think back to trans-fats) • Anabolic steroids

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