Lipids Phospholipids Steroids Terpenes Waxes

Q Classify simple and complex lipids. Identify waxes, triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids, prostaglandins, and terpenes. 

Classify lipids both into the large classifications (such as simple lipids, complex lipids, phospholipids, etc.) and into the more specific classifications (such as waxes, triglycerides, cephalins, lecithins, steroids, prostaglandins, terpenes, etc.). 

In this chapter we will examine how cells and enzymes are used in the transformation of lipids. The lipids are, of course, a very diverse and complex series of molecular entities including fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, glycolipids, aliphatic alcohols, waxes, terpenes and steroids. It is usual to teach about these molecules, in a biochemical context, in more or less the order given above, since this represents a logical sequence leading from simple molecules to the more complex. Here, however, we have adopted a different strategy. 

Lipids have a variety of functions in living organisms. Fats and oils are a convenient and concentrated means of storing food energy in plants and animals. Phospholipids and sterols, such as cholesterol, are major components of cell membranes see upid bilayer). Waxes provide vitai waterproofing for body surfaces. Terpenes include tamins A, E, and K, and phytol (a component of chlorophyll) and occur in essential oils, such as menthol and camphor. Steroids include the adrenal hormones, sex hormones, and bile acids. 

---