Types of Lipids

Lipids that compose the fatty acyls category are a diverse group of molecules whose synthesis involves chain elongation of an acetyl-CoA with malonyl-CoA (or methylmalonyl-CoA) groups. The fatty acyl structure is an important building block of complex lipids and one of the most fundamental categories of biological lipids.

... including a total cholesterol test, lipoprotein analysis, lipid ... over age 20 get a cholesterol test so you know what your levels are and can do ...

Although the term lipid is sometimes used as a synonym for fats, fats are a subgroup of lipids called triglycerides. Lipids also encompass molecules such as fatty acids and their derivatives (including tri-, di-, monoglycerides, and phospholipids), as well as other sterol-containing metabolites such as cholesterol.

Phosphatidates are lipids in which the first two carbon atoms of the glycerol are fatty acid esters, and the 3 is a phosphate ester. The phosphate serves as a link to another alcohol-usually ethanolamine, choline, serine, or a carbohydrate.

Phospholipids belong to the lipid family of biological polymers. A phospholipid is composed of two fatty acids, a glycerol unit, a phosphate group, and a polar molecule. The phosphate group and polar head region of the molecule is hydrophillic (attracted to water), while the fatty acid tail is hydrophobic (repelled by water).

Although the term "lipid" is sometimes used as a synonym for fats, fats are a subgroup of lipids called triglycerides. Lipids also encompass molecules such as fatty acids and their derivatives (including tri-, di-, monoglycerides, and phospholipids), as well as other sterol-containing metabolites such as cholesterol.

Prenols (PR) are synthesized from the five carbon precursors isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate that are produced mainly via the mevalonic acid pathway In some bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli) and plants, isoprenoid precursors are made by the methylerythritol phosphate pathway.

Saccharolipids describe compounds in which fatty acids are linked directly to a sugar backbone, forming structures that are compatible with membrane bilayers. In the saccharolipids, a monosaccharide substitutes for the glycerol backbone present in glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids.

Lipids serve a variety of important functions in living organisms. They act as chemical messengers, serve as valuable energy sources, provide insulation, and are the main components of membranes. Major lipid groups include fats, phospholipids, steroids, and waxes.

Broadly, the term lipid is encompasses fats (including saturated, monoglyceride, diglyceride and triglyceride), waxes, sterols, phospholipids in the membranes of cells and fat soluble vitamins. Lipid is a basic term representing a molecule that is fat soluble (vs. water soluble).

Trying to control high cholesterol and high triglycerides? Manage your cholesterol and triglyceride levels with these simple tips.