Exploring the World of Lipids

     LIPIDS








-What are lipids?
 Lipids are a diverse group of organic molecules that are characterized by their hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties. They play essential roles in the human body and in all living organisms.

-WHAT'S THE FUNCTION OF LIPIDS? 
The functions of lipids include energy storage, insulation, organ protection, cell membrane structure, and physiological regulation. They are a vital part of a balanced diet and are integral to understanding biochemistry and biology.



Properaties of lipids:
Listed below are some important propaeraties of Lipids for the human body:
-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.
-Lipids are energy-rich organic molecules, which provide energy for different life processes.
-Lipids are a class of compounds characterised by their solubility in nonpolar solvents and insolubility in water.
-Lipids are significant in biological systems as they form a mechanical barrier dividing a cell from the external environment known as the cell membrane.

How many lipids should we consume on daily bases? 
According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, saturated fat should not comprise more than 10 percent of the diet's total fat, and total fat should not exceed 35 percent of the diet's calories. According to the Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board, adults 19 and above should consume 20 to 35 percent of total dietary fat, children 1 to 3 should consume 30 to 40 percent of total dietary fat, and children 4 to 18 should consume 25 to 35 percent of total dietary fat.



why should we eat lipids? 
Fats and oils are esters of glycerol and three fatty acids. They are important in the diet as energy sources and as sources of essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, which tend to associate with fats. They also contribute satiety, flavor, and palatability to the diet.Lipids are fatty compounds that perform a variety of functions in your body. They are part of your cell membrane and help control what goes in and out of this yourself they help with moving and storage energy absorbing and making vitamins, making it really important to consume lipids a fats in your daily life and not cut them off at all

Did you know that lipids are not soluble in water? But why is that? 
Well from previous post we know that water only breaks down polar and ionic bondings like salt and sugar. On the other hand lipids are fats and oils, and as we know oil isn't disolved by water,and it flowes over the water, that happens because oil is non-polar, which also menas that lipids are also non-polar.



Types of Lipids   

-Triglyceride
-Steroids
-Phospholipid
-Wax


TriglycEride

Do you know what are Triglycrides? Triglycerides are like tiny packeges of energy,They make an important source of energy in our bodies.

What are triglycerdies composed of? What about its structure? As for it's compostion, triglycerides are made up of 1 Glyecrol, and 3 fatty acids, thoes components combine together to make up triglecrids, in a structure of the 1 Glyecrol put on the side while the three Fatty Acids will stick to the Glecyrol in a horizantil line.

Triglcerides have three types:
-Saturated 
-unsaturated
-polyunsaturated
  
What is the diffrence between them? Well I'll tell you

 -Saturated triglycerides: also known as saturated fats, are a type of dietary fat in which the fatty acids making up the triglyceride molecule are predominantly saturated with hydrogen atoms. These fats have no double bonds between the carbon atoms in their fatty acid chains. They are typically solid at room temperature and are commonly found in animal products such as meat, dairy, and certain plant oils like coconut oil and palm oil. saturated triglycerides fats are the most unhealthey typeof triglecerides are known 

Examples:butter,White Meat(fat meat),cheese
 
-Unsaturated Triglcerides:Unsaturated fats are a type of dietary fat characterized by the presence of one or more double bonds in the fatty acid chains that make up the fat molecules. These double bonds create kinks in the fatty acid chains, preventing them from packing closely together. Unsaturated fats are typically liquid at room temperature and are considered healthier for the heart when consumed in moderation. They are considered as healthy food 

Exampls: Olive oil,Avocados,Nuts


----Unsaturated acids are trund into trans fats, But what are trans fats?  Trans fats, also known as trans-fatty acids, are a type of dietary fat that has undergone a process called hydrogenation. In order to make liquid vegetable oils more stable at room temperature, hydrogen atoms are added. Some margarines and processed foods contain trans fats. They have been widely used in the food industry for their stability and long shelf life.

Trans fats have been associated with a higher risk of heart disease and other health problems. They can raise levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol in the blood while lowering levels of "good" HDL cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.

Examples:Micorwave popcorn, Frozen Pizza,French Fries



-Polyunsatsurated fats:Polyunsaturated fats are a type of dietary fat with multiple double bonds in their fatty acid chains. These double bonds create kinks in the fatty acid structure, preventing the molecules from packing closely together. Polyunsaturated fats remain in a liquid state at room temperature and are considered heart-healthy when consumed in moderation. They are an essential part of a balanced diet and are associated with several health benefits.

Examples:Omega-3, Omega-6

The Structures:





StEROIDS

Steroids are a large class of organic compounds with a characteristic structure known as a steroid nucleus, which consists of four fused carbon rings. They have diverse functions in the human body and in the natural world. Steroids can be broadly categorized into three main types:

1-Cholestrerol: 

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in the cells of your body and in the food you eat. It is essential for various physiological processes and is a fundamental component of cell membranes. Cholesterol has several important functions, including:

1.Cell Membrane Structure: Cholesterol is a crucial component of cell membranes. It helps maintain membrane fluidity and stability, allowing cells to function properly.

2.Hormone Production: Cholesterol serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various hormones, including sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, as well as steroid hormones like cortisol and aldosterone.

3.Vitamin D Synthesis: Cholesterol is involved in the synthesis of vitamin D, which is important for bone health and various other physiological processes.



While cholesterol is necessary for these functions, having too much cholesterol in your bloodstream can be harmful. High levels of cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. There are two main types of cholesterol in your blood:

1.Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, high levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

2. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Often referred to as "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for excretion.

Managing your cholesterol levels through a healthy diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medications prescribed by a healthcare professional, can help reduce the risk of heart disease and related health problems. It's important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly and follow your doctor's recommendations for maintaining a healthy balance of cholesterol in your body.





2.Steroid Hormones: 
Steroid hormones are a class of hormones derived from cholesterol and play crucial roles in regulating various physiological processes in the human body. These hormones are characterized by their molecular structure, which consists of four interconnected carbon rings. Afew important horomones:

-Sex Hormones: Such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which play a key role in reproductive processes.

-Corticosteroids: These include hormones like cortisol, which regulate metabolism and the body's response to stress.

 -Mineralocorticoids: Such as aldosterone, which help regulate electrolyte balance and blood pressure.


3.Anabolic Steroids: These are synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of the male sex hormone, testosterone. Anabolic steroids are often used to promote muscle growth and improve athletic performance. They are sometimes abused for non-medical purposes, which can lead to various health issues and is often considered illegal without a prescription.

Steroids play vital roles in various biological functions, including regulating metabolism, immune responses, inflammation, and reproductive processes. They can be found in many different organisms, not just in humans, and serve a wide range of purposes beyond hormone regulation.


Phosphlipids

What are phospholipids?
 Phospholipids are a class of lipids, which are organic molecules that include fats, oils, and related compounds. Phospholipids play a central role in biology because they provide the basic structural foundation of cell membranes and are arranged in two layers called "bipolar, which enclose and protect the contents of cells and regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cells. They are an integral part of life and essential for the functioning of all living organisms.They have a unique structue for this role which is :

-2 Fatty acid tails (hydrophobic) 
-1 Phospate acid (hydrophilic)
They are arragmged in 2 layers and the tailes face each other, while the phosphate are on the outer section since they are hydrophilic meaning that the water can react and pass in and out of the cell.




      

WAXSES

Waxses are the last type of lipids, and they are Wax esters, also known as wax fats, are a type of lipid (organic molecule) that are esters of long-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols.Waxses arethere to give a protaction layer. These compounds are solid at room temperature and are known for their water-repelling properties. Here are some key points about wax esters:

Structure: The term "wax" can refer to various compounds with differing structures, but common waxes, such as those found in beeswax and plant cuticles, typically have a structure consisting of long-chain hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons are primarily composed of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms. Here's a simplified representation of the structural features of a typical wax molecule:

Examples: Candle Wax, lip balm, and wax paper




Lab report
Station 4:lipids test


Based on the provided procedure and purpose of Station 4, the objective is to determine which food among water, soda (7Up), milk, and oil contains the most lipids. The presence of lipids is confirmed by observing a white emulsion after adding ethanol and water to the test tubes.

Procedure/Observation:

  1. Label the test tubes as 1, 2, 3, and 4.
  2. Add 10 drops of water to test tube 1.
    Add 10 drops of milk to test tube 2.
    Add 10 drops of soda to test tube 3.
    Add 10 drops of oil to test tube 4.
  3. Add 2 ml of ethanol to each test tube and shake well.
  4. Add 2 ml of water to each test tube.
  5. Record your observations.


Conclusion:

Observing a white emulsion after adding ethanol and water indicates the presence of lipids. Based on this assumption, the food that is likely to have the most lipids could be oil. Oil, such as vegetable oil or olive oil, is primarily composed of lipids and is known for its high lipid content. Therefore, it is possible that the test tube containing oil would produce a stronger white emulsion compared to the other test tubes.


Resorces:


----https://byjus.com/biology/lipids/

----https://nutrition.ucdavis.edu/outreach/nutr-health-info-sheets/pro-fat#:~:text=How%20much%20fat%20should%20be,calories%20(1%2C2).


https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24425-lipids

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218759/#:~:text=They%20are%20important%20in%20the,tend%20to%20associate%20with%20fats.

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