Introduction
Complex lipids can be defined as heterogeneous compounds made up of steroids, fats, waxes, oil, and other substances. These compounds are related by the similarity of the physical properties with each other. However, the chemical properties of similarity in the chemical nature are not always found in them.
Those ubiquitous molecules that take part in various cellular activities are referred to as phospholipids. These are also called phosphatides. The molecule structure is made up of a head-like structure known as a hydrophilic head that has a phosphate group in it. The molecule also has two tail-like structures in it which are known as a hydrophobic tail. These are further made of fatty acid and alcohol base.
Discussion
Explain how complex lipids phospholipids are important in Biochemistry
The complex lipids are made up of fatty acids. The complex lipids are also made up of waxes and oil-like substances. These are heterogeneous compounds. These are extensive sources of energy for the body.
In the study of Biochemistry, these are of great importance; this is because these complex lipids help the cell membrane to give an overall shape. This also maintains the rigidity across the membranes.
These complex lipids also significantly contribute to the maintenance of membrane tension in the membranes. Whenever there is any kind of injury, these lipids carry on the alteration process and make the maintenance of rigidity again back to normal in the cell membrane.
Phospholipids on the other hand play multiple roles. These are very vital for the researchers in this field. It helps in maintaining the membrane permeability to a lot of extents.
What is meant by complex lipids phospholipids?
Complex lipids are made up of fats, steroids, and waxes. These complex lipids also contain fats and oils in them. The prominent examples of complex lipids are phospholipids and glycolipids.
Phospholipids come under the category of complex lipids. These have nitrogen bases contained in them. These also have fatty acids and alcohol contained in them.
What are complex lipids?
Complex lipids are an essential part of the study of Biochemistry. These are heterogeneous substances. These are made up of various compounds namely fats, oils, waxes and various other compounds. These components are related more in terms of their physical characteristics than by any other chemical properties.
These complex lipids are differentiated from each other into various groups. These are phospholipids, lipoamino acids, nucleolipids, and glycolipids. The phospholipids are lipids with phosphate in them. They also have glycerol and fatty alcohol.
The Lipids have a “glycosidic moiety”, along with “glycerol” and amino alcohol and with fatty chains, these are phospholipids. The next division of complex lipids is lipoamino acids. These do not have any phosphate group in them. However, these lipids have a long chain of amino acids with a long chain of acids together with alcohol in them. The last division is known as Nucleo lipids. The name originates from the containing nucleobase.
What are phospholipids?
Phospholipids are an important part of the study and research of Biochemistry. The researcher and academicians along with scientists find these phospholipids a very essential part of Biochemistry.
Phospholipids contain phosphoric acids in them. These also contain fatty acids, bases made up of nitrogen and alcohol in them. The main components of the cell membrane are phospholipids. These are the most important parts of the membrane.
The maintenance of the fluidity along and across the cell membrane is done due to the presence of phospholipids. The phospholipids are also essential because they provide rigidity to the cell membranes. The phospholipids are categorized into two parts namely glycerophospholipids and sphingophospholipids. The occurrence of glycerophospholipids is mainly seen in the membrane. These contain glycerol-based glycolipids.
The sphingophospholipids form the main components of myelin. Inside the body, these are found in abundance in the nervous system and the brain. The sphingosine is present as alcohol.
The phospholipids serve various functions of high importance in nature. The maintenance of the permeability in the case of membranes is done by the phospholipids. The fat present inside the intestines is absorbed with the help of phospholipids. The movement and removals of the high amount of cholesterol from the cell are done with the help of phospholipids.
Characteristics of lipids and phospholipids
Phospholipids have a variety of characteristics that act as mediators of signals. These are also the main component or ingredients of the cell membrane inside the body. Bile and lipoproteins are made from phospholipids. They act as amphiphilic molecules.
The complex lipids have various features. They are made up of fatty acids. These are found in plants, animals, and the human body. They are the main content of the cell membrane and help in maintaining the fluidity in it.
Conclusion
The study elaborately describes Complex lipids and phospholipids. Complex lipids are heterogeneous compounds that are oils, fatty acids, waxes, and fats. These are the energy store centers of the body. This helps the body by providing vital energy in times of urgency and needs.
Phospholipid on the other side can be defined and stated as the lipid molecule that forms the main part or essential component of the cell membrane. The phospholipids are very essential in the study and extensive research of Biochemistry. These are formed inside the ER membrane.
These phospholipids are made up of head and tail-like structures. These have differentiating features from each other.