LEARNING OBJECTIVES In this article, author has explained the introduction, functions and examples of amphipathic molecules. Definition The molecules which have both polar and non-polar ends are called amphipathic molecules. This characteristic gives them both hydrophobic and hydrophilic (water-loving) properties. Amphipathic molecules are lipophilic (fat-loving) For example, phospholipids have a polar phosphate head and a … Read more
LEARNING OBJECTIVES In this article, author has explained the structure, functions and properties of steroids; cholesterol and ergosterol. The compounds which contain cyclic steroid nucleus cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene are called steroids. The cyclopentane ring is attached to the phenanthrene nucleus. They are various steroids of biological importance. Cholesterol, bile acids, sex hormones, vitamin D, adrenocortical hormones, sitosterols, … Read more
LEARNING OBJECTIVES In this article, author has explained the different types of glycerophospholipids. The phospholipids which contain glycerol as alcohol is called glycerophospholipids. In glycerophospholipid, C1 and C2 are esterified with the fatty acids while C3 has a phosphate group. They are major phospholipids that occur in the cell membrane. Phosphatidic acid is involved in … Read more
LEARNING OBJECTIVES In this article, author has explained the introduction, structure, properties, classification and functions of phopholipids. Definition The complex lipids which contain phosphoric acid in addition to fatty acids, nitrogenous bases, and alcohol are called phospholipids. Phospholipids are the main component of the cell membrane. They are naturally occurring molecules and the major component … Read more
LEARNING OBJECTIVES In this article, author has explained introduction, occurrence, structure, physical and chemical properties, classification and functions of triacylglycerols. Definition The esters of glycerol with fatty acids are called triacylglycerols. Triacylglycerols are widely distributed in plants and animals. They are also known as neutral fats. The common name of triacylglycerols is triglycerides. Oxidation of … Read more
LEARNING OBJECTIVES In this article, author has explained introduction, occurrence, structure, classification, and functions of fatty acids. Definition The simplest lipids with carboxylic acid and hydrocarbon side chains are called fatty acids. They are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Fatty acids are building blocks of fats in our body and the food we eat. … Read more
LEARNING OBJECTIVES In this article, author has explained the introduction, structure, physical and chemical properties, classification and functions of lipids. Definition Lipids are heterogeneous compounds that are insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents. Lipids are a major storage form of energy in the body. They naturally occur in plants, animals, and microorganisms. They … Read more
LEARNING OBJECTIVES In this article, author has explained the introduction, occurrence, classification, functions and examples of glycoproteins. Definition The proteins which are bounded to carbohydrates are known as glycoproteins. The carbohydrate content of glycoproteins can be from 1% to 90% by weight. The oligosaccharides are covalently bounded to amino acids of proteins. Carbohydrates have an … Read more
LEARNING OBJECTIVES In this article, author has explained the introduction, structure, properties, functions, uses and cellulolysis reaction of cellulose. Cellulose is a complex polysaccharide made up of many glucose monosaccharides. It consists of about 3000 or more glucose units. Cellulose is the most abundant carbohydrate in plants. It is major component of plants cell wall. … Read more
LEARNING OBJECTIVES In this article, author has explained the introduction, structure, functions and storage diseases of glycogen. Glycogen is a polysaccharide made up of many units of glucose monosaccharide. It is use to store energy in the animals hence also refer as “animal starch”. Glycogen is present in liver, muscles and brain. When glucose is … Read more