BIO 4307 Lecture 13: Lipids
Document Summary
Lipids: chapter 11: characterize physiological roles of lipids, lipids are a very diverse class. There is no structural template because they are extremely varied. These classes are defined by solubility: hydrophobicity contributes to cellular roles. It is the one common thing held by all lipids: lipids largely lack a variety of functional groups, some general functions are: Sources of energy: they are highly reducible giving off a lot of energy, their hydrophobic nature make it ideal for packing. Insulation from the environment: low thermal conductivity, high heat capacity (can absorb heat, mechanical protection (can absorb shock, water repellant, keeps water in and keeps us dry, membrane structure, they are the main component of the cell membrane. Knowing its class can tell a lot about its structure/function. Things that don"t are cholesterol and steroid hormones. These are just samples you can use to help navigate lipid classification: first major class: fatty acid containing, general info:
