Lipids Fats, Oils, and Hormones

Part of ester Part of ester from from cetyl alcohol palmitic acid 

FIGURE 2.5 Three examples of lipids formed in biological systems. Note that a line structure is used to show the ring structure of cholesterol. The hydrocarbon-like nature of these compounds, which makes them soluble in organic compounds, is obvions. For interpretation of the line structure of cholesterol, see Chapter 20, Section 20.3. 

A major kind of renewable fuel is made by hydrolyzing the long-chain fatty acids from triglycerides and attaching methyl groups to produce esters. This liquid product, commonly called biodiesel fuel, serves as a substitute for petroleum-derived liquids in diesel engines. The development and cultivation of plants that produce oils and other lipids is a mtgor possible route to the production of renewable resources. 

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