SELF - REFLECTION ON LIPIDS ( TASK 9 )

Hello people , so here is the summary on what I’ve learned about lipids so far. Lipids are organic compounds that are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.The ratio of oxygen atoms to hydrogen atoms in a lipid molecule is much lower compare to carbohydrates. Some lipids may contain phosphorus and nitrogen in addition to the three basic elements.Lipids are hydrophobic organic compounds , insoluble in water but dissolve in organic solvents such as benzene. There are five main groups of lipids which is triacylglycerol , glycerophospholipids, isoprenoid,fatty acid and sphingholipids.

Triglycerides is an ester that is formed from the condensation of one molecule of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acid.There are two types of triacylglycerol which is saturated and unsaturated. Saturated triacylglycerol is usually solid at room temperature and is known as fat. Unsaturated triacylglycerol is usually liquid at room temperature and is known oil.Major functions of  triacylglycerol is to act as energy stores as they have a higher calorific value than carbohydrates.This is because triacylglycerol have a higher proportion of hydrogen and much less proportion of oxygen compared with carbohydrates. Secondly,animals store extra fat below the dermis of the skin where it serves as an insulator.

         Glycerophospholipids is a derivative of triacylglycerol where one of the its fatty acid chains is replaced by phosphoric acid and it is the main component of biological membranes. Glycerolphospholipids serve as structural component and forms bilayer in membranes. Moreover, glycerophospholipids stores energy , acts as thermal insulation , absorbs shock and protect organs. It also separates the inside and outside of the cell environment to prevent organelle from entering and leaving the cell uncontrollably.

        Isoprenoids can be classified into three main groups which is steroids , terpenes and vitamins.  Steroids are found in both plants and animals. An example of steroid is cholesterol which is an important component of cell membranes and a precursor of all other steroids.Moreover , steroids helps in the emulsification and digestion of fat in the intestines.Thirdly , steroids control the stress response and maintain balance of salt in the body.Finally , steroids are also able to regulate menstrual cycle and pregnancy in females. The next group is terpenes which is largely found as constituents of essential oils and found in plants to protect the plants against the insects and herbivores animals.Examples of terpenes is myrcene ( in mangos ) , Linaloon ( in lavender ) amd terpinolene ( in apple ). The final group is vitamins which help any wounds to heal and converts food into energy. Example of vita ins are vitamin A , vitamin D and vitamin E.

         Next is sphingholipids which is the major membrane components and it is found in animals and plant membranes. There are three major group under sphingolipids which sphingomylines ,cerebrosides and ganglionsides. Sphingomylines can be found in animals cell-membrane and the head group is phosphopholic. Cerebrosides is a single sugar and can be found in mylin sheath and brain whereas ganglionsides has a combination of more than 1 sugar and it is found in the neurone.

       Finally. fatty acids. Fatty acids is a carboxylic acid consisting of hydrocarbon chain and a terminal carboxyl group. Fatty acids are the building blocks of the fats in our bodies and also acts a energy storage. Example of fatty acids are lactic acid and stearic acid.