This review summarises the biosynthesis of the lipids of the mammalian cell phospholipids, sphingolipids and cholesterol and how lipid diversity is achieved. Understanding lipid diversity, their synthesis and metabolism to generate signalling molecules will provide insight into the fundamental function of the cell. Lipids regulate many physiological functions of cells and alterations in membrane lipid metabolism are associated with major diseases including cancer, Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and immune disorders. Once regarded merely as structural components, lipids have taken centre stage with the discovery of their roles in cell signalling and in the generation of bioactive metabolites. A deep understanding of chemistry is essential to anyone interested in modern biological sciences or medicine, so I really encourage you to take the time to work though all of the chemistry material.Lipids are essential constituents of cellular membranes. That may look like a lot of work, but you've probably watched many of the videos already under 'Chemistry of life'. If you are not familiar with reduction and oxidation states, then I encourage you to start working through the Chemistry material on KhanAcademy: How many moles of carbon are present in a gram of glucose (a 'typical' carbohydrate)?ĭo the answers to those two sets of questions help you answer your question? How many moles of carbon are present in a gram of tetradecane - a 14 carbon alkane (a reasonable comparison for the tails of the fatty acids found in food)? How would you expect this to affect a oxidative process like cellular respiration? How does this compare with the oxidation state of the carbon in carbohydrates (the other group of macromolecules that are often used to store energy)? What is the oxidation state of the carbons in the fatty acid tail? Therefore, I'm going to ask you some questions in response to help you figure out (some of) the answers yourself. This is a good question, but one that I think you have enough information to answer on your own.

Download structure of lipids