Understanding Lipids: Triglycerides, Phospholipids, and Steroids in Biochemistry
Learn about the three major groups of lipids - triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids - and their structures and functions in biochemistry. Explore the properties of each lipid type and their roles in biological processes like cell membranes. Click the link for an educational animation!
Understanding Lipids: Triglycerides, Phospholipids, and Steroids in Biochemistry
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Presentation Transcript
Biochemistry Part V Lipids
Lipids • A class of organic molecules that are insoluble in water • There are 3 major groups of lipids • Triglycerides • Phospholipids • Steroids
Triglycerides • Include fats, oils, and waxes • Consist of 3 fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule • Hydrocarbons with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end of the chain
Monounsaturated Polyunsaturated
Phospholipids • Looks just like a lipid except that one of the fatty acid chains is replaced by a phosphate group (-PO32-) • An additional chemical group (R) might also be attached • Amphipathic • Hydrophilic heads (phosphates) • Hydrophobic tails (lipids) • Provide the foundation for cell membranes
Steroids • Characterized by a backbone of 4 linked carbon rings • Examples: • Cholesterol • Some Hormones • Testosterone • Estrogen
Website Animation • http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/index_tj.asp?objid=AP13204