Notes on Derived Lipids

Derived lipids come under the category of lipids. Derived lipids are chemical originated components present in the body of plants and animals. They are utilised in other biochemical reactions to produce other essential substances, such as sterols, bile juices, etc. It is made up of a combination of both simple and compound lipids. Let us learn more about it through this article. 

Body

Lipids

These are chemical components and parts of food that are nonpolar in nature. They are soluble in nonpolar solvents and insoluble in polar solvents. For instance, they will never dissolve in water due to the polar nature of water. 

Human beings have a system in the body that has the capacity to synthesise lipids in the liver. The main source of lipids is oil, butter, whole milk, cheese, fried foods and red meat also. 

Classifications of lipids 

They are categorised in a group form which have the features of being soluble in organic solvents. They are classified into three categories mentioned below: 

Simple lipids: This includes esters that have alcohols, for example, fats, oils and waxes. They are neutral esters of glycerol, including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Oils and fats are similar, but oils are liquid at room temperature. Waxes are also esters of higher-level alcohols, and it has long-chain fatty acids. They are present in the adipose tissues. 

Compound lipids: This includes fatty acids, alcohol, and chemical groups, for example, phosphorus and nitrogen. They are formed in the brain and nervous system. 

Derived lipids: When both simple and compound lipids combine and undergo the process of hydrolysis, the produced chemical is known as the derived lipids. Derived lipids include cholesterol, carotenes, steroids and prostaglandins etc.. They are derivatives of lipid or lipid-like substances like-

Carotenes – In plants they function as accessory photosynthetic pigments, as attractants for animals to perform pollination and fruit dispersal. In animals these are converted into vitamin A (forms visual pigment rhodopsin).

Steroids: They are commonly known as cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring-tricyclic skeletons. They are made up of six-membered rings (A, B, C) and one membered ring (D).They do not contain fatty acids. 

Sterols: They are also called steroid alcohols. They come under the category of steroids with hydroxyl groups. The Hydroxyl group is present at the 3rd position of the A-ring. They are considered the amphipathic lipids due to the presence of hydroxyl groups on A ring that is polar, and the other part (aliphatic) of the chain is non-polar.   Sterols are nitrogenous derivatives of fatty compounds present in the following three forms.

Types of sterols are:

Phytosterols: They are plant-based sterols. Naturally occurring in the plant cell membrane. They look like cholesterol in the body—for example, stigmasterol. 

Zoosterols: They are animal-based sterols. The most common example of it is cholesterol. 

Ergosterol: They are found in the cell membrane of fungi. It is a kind of pro-vitamin and acts as a precursor for vitamin D. Utilising fungi is extensively used to extract ergosterol. 

Cholesterol: They are found in all types of cells, and it is a critical aspect of cell membrane and lipoproteins. They are present in the form of white, shiny, and rhombic crystals. Tasteless and odourless along with a high melting point. Soluble in fat solvents and insoluble in water due to its polarity. Poor conductor of heat and electricity, and hence used as an insulator at many places. Through chemical reactions, it is converted into other chemical substances through chemical reactions, such as cholesterol, etc.

 Prostaglandins – It is a group of hormone-like unsaturated fatty acids occurring in human seminal fluid, menstrual fluids, amniotic fluids and a number of tissues. They have a ring-like structure with a 20-carbon ring.

 Stigmasterol: It is also recognized as a Wulzen anti-stiffness factor because it is a kind of plant sterol. It is unsaturated and used in the medication field. It is present in various vegetables, legumes, nuts etc. It also acts as an intermediate in various biosynthesis processes.  

Conclusion

Consequently, derived lipids are essential for many biochemical processes. They come under the category of lipids. Derived lipids are chemical originated components present in the body of plants and animals. They are utilised in other biochemical reactions to produce other essential substances, such as sterols, bile juices, etc. It is made up of a combination of both simple and compound lipids.