Simple Lipids

These lipids are esters of fatty acids with various alcohols.

Fats (Triglycerides) – Composed of glycerol and three fatty acids. They serve as a major form of energy storage in the body.

Waxes – Esters of long-chain fatty acids with long-chain alcohols. They provide protective coatings for plants and animals.

Complex Lipids

These lipids contain additional groups besides fatty acids and alcohols.

Phospholipids – Contain a phosphate group in their molecule.

Glycerophospholipids – Derived from glycerol and contain two fatty acids, a phosphate group, and a simple organic molecule such as choline. They are key components of cell membranes.

Sphingophospholipids – Derived from sphingosine and contain a fatty acid, a phosphate group, and a choline. Sphingomyelin is an example and is also a component of cell membranes.

Glycolipids – Contain carbohydrate groups.

Cerebrosides – Composed of a ceramide (sphingosine + fatty acid) and a single sugar molecule. Found in nerve cell membranes.

Gangliosides – Composed of a ceramide and a complex carbohydrate chain with multiple sugar molecules. Important in cell recognition and signal transduction.

Derived Lipids

These lipids are derived from simple and complex lipids by hydrolysis.

Fatty Acids – Long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group at one end. They can be saturated (no double bonds) or unsaturated (one or more double bonds).

Glycerol – A three-carbon alcohol that forms the backbone of triglycerides and phospholipids.

Steroids – Composed of four fused rings of carbon atoms. Cholesterol is the most well-known steroid and is a precursor for steroid hormones, bile salts, and vitamin D.

Terpenes – Built from isoprene units (five-carbon units) and include compounds such as vitamin A, carotenoids, and squalene.

Miscellaneous Lipids

These lipids do not fit neatly into the other categories but have important biological functions.

Eicosanoids – Derived from arachidonic acid and include prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. They play roles in inflammation, immunity, and as messengers in the central nervous system.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins – Vitamins A, D, E, and K. They are involved in various physiological functions including vision, bone health, antioxidant activity, and blood coagulation.

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