Question

Give the classification of compound lipids. Explain their functions.

Answer 1

In biochemistry and biology, lipid is a macromolecule which is not soluble in water but is soluble in non-polar solvents. They mainly function as structural components of cellular membrane energy reservoirs and signaling molecules.

Complete answer:
Lipids are a diverse group of hydrocarbons, the carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds in the hydrocarbon are nonpolar that means the electrons between the atoms are shared equally. Non-polar compounds are hydrophobic or water-hating.
Lipids can be classified into:
-Simple lipids
-Compound lipids
-Derived lipids
Simple lipids: They are esters of fatty acids with different alcohol. The main simple lipids are fats and wax esters.
Fats are also called triglycerides as the alcohol groups of glycerol are esterified. Oils are fats in liquid state.
Complex lipids: They are esters of fatty acids containing other groups with alcohol and a fatty acid. They can be classified into:
1. Phospholipids: Phospholipids surround and protect internal cell components and as they don’t mix with water, they provide a structural membrane which contributes to the shape and functionality of the cell.
2. Glycolipids: Glycolipids help to maintain the stability of the cell membrane which is crucial to the immune response and also in the connection between the cells.
Derived lipids: These are the compounds which are formed due to the hydrolysis of simple and complex lipids. They include fatty acids, alcohols, monoglycerides and diglycerides, steroids, terpenes, carotenoids. The most common among them are steroids, terpenes and carotenoids.
Sterols are classified into phytosterols and zoosterols, one of the examples of zoosterols is cholesterol, which is widely distributed in all cells and is a major component of cell membrane and lipoproteins.
Stigmasterol is a phytosterol found in various vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and unpasteurized milk.

Note: The main function of lipids in the human body is storing energy and maintaining the cell structure. It also plays a major role in growth and how your body works as it is also an essential part of hormones in our body.