What are lipids?

What are lipids?

Lipids are oily or greasy nonpolar molecules, stored in the adipose tissue of the body. Lipids are a heterogeneous group of compounds, mainly composed of hydrocarbon chains.

What is a saponifiable lipid?

A saponifiable lipid comprises one or more ester groups, enabling it to undergo hydrolysis in the presence of a base, acid, or enzymes, including waxes, triglycerides, sphingolipids and phospholipids. Further, these categories can be divided into non-polar and polar lipids.

What are some examples of neutral lipids?

These include fatty acids, glycerol, steroids, other alcohols, fatty aldehydes, and ketone bodies, hydrocarbons, lipid-soluble vitamins, and hormones. Because they are uncharged, acylglycerols (glycerides), cholesterol, and cholesteryl esters are termed neutral lipids.

What is the difference between polar and nonpolar lipids?

Nonpolar lipids, namely triglycerides, are utilized as fuel and to store energy. Polar lipids, that could form a barrier with an external water environment, are utilized in membranes. Polar lipids comprise sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids. Fatty acids are pivotal components of all these lipids.