Medical Chemistry: Lipids and their Functions

Lipids as a Fuel

• Lipids serve as a fuel source, providing energy to the body.

Cell Membrane Building Blocks

• Phospholipids serve as building blocks in cell membranes.

Supporting Vital Organs

• Lipids support vital organs, such as the heart, by providing energy and maintaining their structure.

Types of Lipids

• Waxes are esters of fatty acids with high-molecular-weight alcohols.
• Compound or conjugated lipids contain additional groups, such as phosphorus, sulfur, or nitrogen, in addition to alcohols and fatty acids.

Primary Properties of Lipids

• Most lipids are hydrophobic, meaning they are insoluble in water and soluble in nonpolar solvents, such as benzene.

Myelin Sheath

• The myelin sheath of the nerves is primarily composed of sphingolipids.

Fatty Acids

• Fatty acids formed de novo in the animal body are mainly formed from carbohydrates.
• Lauric acid belongs to the category of saturated fatty acids.
• A deficiency in essential fatty acids can produce dermatitis, fatty liver, and impaired growth and reproduction.

Hydrolysis of Fats

• Fatty acids and glycerol are obtained from the hydrolysis of fats.

Neutral Fats

• Neutral fats stored in adipocytes serve as a source of energy.

Phospholipids

• Phospholipids serve as building blocks in cell membranes.
• The myelin sheath of the nerves is made up of phospholipids.

Waxes

• The primary function of waxes is to provide protection and waterproofing.

Compound or Conjugated Lipids

• The main function of compound or conjugated lipids is to provide structure and support to cells.

Nonessential Fatty Acids

• Nonessential fatty acids are mainly formed in the animal body from carbohydrates.

Essential Fatty Acids

• Essential fatty acids are not formed in the animal body and are therefore essential to take in the diet.

Derived Lipids

• Examples of derived lipids include fatty acids, glycerol, and cholesterol, which are produced by hydrolysis of other lipid groups or present in association with them in nature.

Classification of Fatty Acids

• Fatty acids are classified nutritionally based on their formation in the animal body, with essential fatty acids being those that are not formed in the body.

Test your knowledge of the definition and function of lipids in medical chemistry. Explore the properties and roles of organic compounds such as esters of fatty acids, their solubility, and their functions as fuel storage, medium for fat-soluble vitamins, and insulating material.