Lipids

Lipids Latest News

New research challenges the view that proteins are the only key to evolution, highlighting the importance of lipids.

About Lipids

• Lipids are fatty, wax-like compounds that perform a variety of functions in your body. 
• Lipids are a structurally and functionally diverse group of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are chemical compounds that consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
• Lipids are in your blood and throughout your body. They’re in every cell you have.
• Lipids like cholesterol are part of your cell membranes. 
• They give your cells structure and allow substances to go in and out of your cells.
• They help with moving and storing energy, absorbing vitamins, and making hormones. 
• Lipids are not soluble in water as they are non-polar but are thus soluble in non-polar solvents such as chloroform.
• Lipids are found in higher quantities in fried foods, animal fats, and dairy products like cream, butter, and cheese.
• Various lipids have different functions. These include:
  • Triglycerides transport and store energy.
  • Steroid hormones send messages in cells.
  • Bile salts from cholesterol help digest fat.
  • Fatty acidsmetabolize to create energy.
  • Phospholipids and cholesterol make biological membranes. Phospholipids are like gatekeepers that let some molecules into your cells but require others to come in with proteins.
• Your body can produce the amount of lipids it needs. However, sometimes, it produces the wrong amount of lipids. This can cause:
  • Hyperlipidemia (high lipid levels).
  • Hypolipidemia (low lipid levels).
  • Hypercholesterolemia.
  • Atherosclerosis.
  • Coronary artery disease.
  • Hypertriglyceridemia.

Lipids FAQs

Q1. Are lipids made of fatty acids?

Ans. Yes, most lipids are made of fatty acids, but not all lipids are exclusively made of them.

Q2. Are lipids hydrophilic?

Ans. No, lipids are generally hydrophobic, meaning they are not soluble in water. 

Q3. What are examples of lipids?

Ans. Examples include fats, oils, waxes, certain vitamins, hormones, and components of cell membranes.

Source: TH