A lipid is any of a number of chemical molecules that are water insoluble.They are energy-storage molecules and chemical messengers that include fats, waxes, oils, hormones, and some membrane components. Lipids are one of the most important structural components of living cells, alongside proteins and carbohydrates. Lipids are a varied category of chemicals that serve a variety of purposes. Phospholipids and cholesterol are two of the most important components of the membranes that separate a cell from its surroundings at the cellular level.Steroid hormones, which are made up of lipid-derived hormones like testosterone and estrogen, are crucial chemical messengers. Triglycerides accumulated in adipose cells function as energy storage depots as well as thermal insulation at the organismal level.
Properties of Lipids
Lipids are an organic chemical family made up of fats and oils.These molecules have a lot of energy and are involved in a variety of actions in the human body.Lipids have a number of significant features, which are listed below.
1. Lipids are a family of chemicals distinguished by their insolubility in water and solubility in nonpolar solvents.
2. Lipids are a diverse collection of chemicals that are primarily made up of hydrocarbon chains.
3. Lipids are nonpolar oily or greasy molecules that are stored in the body’s adipose tissue.
4. Lipids are organic compounds that are high in energy and supply energy for a variety of living functions.
Lipid Structure
The cell membrane is made up entirely of lipids.A glycerol backbone, two hydrophobic fatty acid tails, and a phosphate group are typical components (hydrophilic). Phospholipids are organized in a bilayer in the cell membrane, providing cell protection and acting as a barrier to specific molecules.The hydrophilic side is facing outward, whereas the hydrophobic side is facing inward. This setup makes it easier to keep track of which molecules can enter and depart the cell.
Wax is another form of lipid. Waxes are esters made up of a fatty acid and a long-chain alcohol. They give protection, particularly to plants whose leaves are covered in wax. Cerumen, often known as earwax, protects the skin of the ear canal in humans.
Steroids, which have a structure of four fused rings, fall into a different category. Cholesterol is an essential form of steroid. Cholesterol is a precursor to numerous other steroid hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol, and is synthesized in the liver.
Types of Lipids
Phospholipids, sterols, and triglycerides are the three main forms of lipids. They each have a distinct function in the body.
Phospholipid
The outermost layer of cells in both animals and humans is made up of phospholipids. They help preserve the cells by forming a protective coating surrounding them.Phospholipids are something that most people never have to worry about. However, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare autoimmune condition in which proteins on these lipids are targeted. As a result, the protecting cell layers are destroyed.People with lupus, particularly women, are more likely to develop this illness. Because APS targets blood vessel and blood cells , it can cause blood clots, which can cause heart attacks and strokes.APS can also cause difficulties during pregnancy.
Sterols
Sterols are a type of hormone that is a subset of steroids.Plant sterols (phytosterols), which are abundant in foods and provide health advantages, may be recognisable to you. They are quite similar to cholesterol, which is the major sterol in humans.Cholesterol is metabolized in the liver and is involved in a number of important bodily functions. They include the production of hormones and vitamin D, as well as the action of bile salts on fats to allow them to be absorbed by cells.Cholesterol is transported into the bloodstream by two types of proteins:high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).HDL cholesterol is regarded “good” because it absorbs cholesterol and returns it to the liver, whereas LDL cholesterol builds up in the body.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the fats and oils found in meals that you are familiar with. At room temperature, this type of lipid can be saturated or unsaturated, which is part of what makes them solid or liquid.Omega fatty acids are vital elements found in a variety of meals. Tuna and salmon, as well as various nuts, seeds, and green vegetables, are excellent sources.Inflammation, blood pressure, and lipid levels are all reduced by these fats. They lower the risk of sudden death from a heart attack and help to avoid blood clots.
Function of lipids in the Body
Nervous System
Lipids are located in the myelin sheaths of the nervous system and are essential to it. These are the fatty tissue sleeves that serve as protection to your nerve cells while also increasing their impulse conduction.
Vitamin Absorption
Vitamins can only be utilized by the body if it has lipids. Lipids enhance fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K absorption in the body:
- Vitamin A is necessary for the immune system, eyesight, and reproduction
- Vitamin D is important for bone health and immunological function
- Vitamin E strengthens the immune system, aids in blood clotting prevention, and protects cells from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause disease
- Vitamin K promotes bone health and aids in the safe healing of injuries by allowing blood to coagulate
Hormone Production
Certain hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol, are made up of lipids. These are necessary for the control of your immune system and metabolism and have a function in the development of sexual traits.They also aid in water and sodium balance, the resilience and healing ability of your body and inflammatory control.
Skin Care and Cosmetics
Lipids are used in the cosmetics industry to manufacture lotions and creams, among other skin care and aesthetic products.Lipids are added to cosmetics and skincare products for skin moisturization, protection, and restoration, as well as to make skin appear smoother and more radiant.
Conclusion
Lipids are a huge and diverse category of molecules found in all living organisms as well as foods. They are distinguished by specific physicochemical qualities such as non-polarity and solubility in organic solvents.Some lipids, such as fatty acids and sterols, are required for animal and plant survival.Lipids play an important role in an individual’s structure, biochemistry, physiology, and nutritional status because they are involved in:
i) cellular structure;
ii) cellular energy reserve;
iii) the formation of regulatory metabolites; and
iv) gene regulation and expression, all of which have a direct impact on how the body functions.Another essential element of lipids is their role in the treatment and/or origin of a variety of disorders that can affect humans.