What are Lipids? Classification | Sources & Functions of Lipids

In this fully Animated lecture, you will learn about, lipids.
Lipids are a family of organic compounds. that are mostly insoluble in water, insoluble means, they do not mix well with water but soluble in organic solvents. Lipids are made up of Fatty Acids.
what are fatty acids?
They are long chains of carboxylic acids. Carboxylic acids are organic compounds. that have a carboxyl group at the end of their molecular chain. When these carboxylic acids bond together in a long chain, they form what we call a fatty acid.
How are these lipids formed from fatty acids?
Lipids are formed by a chemical reaction of three fatty acids, with a glycerol molecule. Glycerol is a three-carbon molecule with an alcohol group attached to each carbon. Fatty acids, on the other hand, are long-chain hydrocarbons. with a carboxylic acid group, attached to one end. When glycerol reacts with fatty acids. the three hydroxyl groups of glycerol, react with the carboxylic acid group of three fatty acids. This reaction results in the formation of three ester bonds. and, releases three molecules of water.
Now the bond formed between glycerol, and fatty acid. is known as ester linkage. So lipids can also be defined as, esters of long chain carboxylic acids. with a Glycerol molecule.
These esters are made of three fatty acids. therefore they are called triglycerides. that is the most common form of lipid, found in our body and are classified as, simple Lipids.
Lipids can be classified into four categories: simple, complex, derived, and miscellaneous Lipids.
Lipids are naturally synthesized by animals, plants and marine organisms.
Functions of lipids.
Firstly, lipids supply our bodies with energy. They're broken down into fatty acids, and used as a source of fuel for our cells.
lipids also carry vitamins A, D. E and K through our bodies? These vitamins are fat-soluble. which means, they need lipids to be transported. and absorbed properly.
Lipids also provide a reserve store of energy. Excess energy from the food we eat. is stored in adipose tissue as triglycerides. which can be used later when our bodies need it.
Promoting healthy skin, is another function of lipids.
Lipids also promote normal cell growth. by forming the cell membrane. Without lipids, our cells wouldn't be able to function properly.
Lipids also protect our vital organs, like the heart, and liver. by protecting them from physical shock. Additionally, they help to regulate body temperature. by insulating our bodies.

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