Lipids

Lipids are

1) Structure of Fatty Acids

A hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain with a terminal carboxyl group

Fatty Acids

Saturated
Unsaturated
All single bonds
Contain double bonds (d-b)
•Fully reduced or ‘saturated’ with hydrogen
atoms – One d-b: mono-unsaturated
•Highly flexible due to free rotation around – More than one: polyunsaturated
single bonds •If 2 or more d-b bonds: bond is
spaced at 3 carbon intervals
•Position is specified by distance from
carboxyl end: D9 double bond is
between carbon 9 and 10
Note: distance from the w (omega)
carbon can also be specified as in
omega-3 and omega-6

Essential Fatty Acids

1) Linoleic acid (-6 or omega-6):
CH3(CH2)4(CH=CHCH2)2(CH2)6COOH 18:2(n-6)

2) -linolenic acid (-3 or omega-3):

CH3CH2(CH=CHCH2)3(CH2)6COOH 18:3(n-3)
EFA deficiency (rare)
Scaly dermatitis (ichthyosis)
Visual and neurologic abnormalities
2) Explain the functions of fatty acids

3) Describe the key structural features of mono-, di- and tri-

acylglycerides

4) Explain the functions of mono-, di- and tri-acylglycerides

5) Distinguish between the classifications of lipids

6) Explain the functions of lipids

Major source of energy in the body
Structural components of cells and organelles
Involved in cellular signalling events
Steroids
Prostaglandins
Leucotrienes

7) Describe the key structural features of lipids (phospholipids,

sphingolipids, sterols and terpenes)