Types of lipids, their structures, functions in the body, and health effects”

The lipid panel of a blood test measures the total cholesterol in blood. This consists of the four types of lipids in blood, which include those considered as “good” and “bad” cholesterol. Besides, the body stores excess calories by creating triacylglycerols, which are stored in fat cells. The amounts of lipids in the human body are very important since researchers suggest that saturated fats and cholesterol are associated with diseases. Prepare a research paper in MLA style (3 pages long) on the following topic:

“Types of lipids, their structures, functions in the body, and health effects”

ANSWER

Types of Lipids, Their Structures, Functions in the Body, and Health Effects

Introduction

Lipids consist of various groups of compounds that are viewed as non-polar. Lipids perform multiple functions in the body cells. Together with carbohydrates and proteins, lipids have a functional component in living cells. Cells store energy for long-term use through lipids. The four main groups of lipids include fatty acids, steroids, non-glyceride, and glycerides. This paper will focus on the four types of lipids in livings cells, their structure, functions, and health effects on the body.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are considered carboxylic acid products. Fatty acids are unbranched and long monocarboxylic acids that include 10 and 22 carbon atoms (Fahy, Cotter, Sud, and Subramaniam, 2011). They have an even number of carbon atoms as a result of their biosynthetic pathway. They are categorized into families based on their C-C double bonds and chain length. The fatty acids are connected to each other through three carbons of the glycerol molecule.

Glycerides

Glycerides are lipid esters of fatty acids and glycerol molecules. The glycerol molecule comprises three carbon atoms with a hydroxyl group attached and hydrogen atoms which occupy the remaining space (Fahy, Cotter, Sud, and Subramaniam, 2011). The main function of glycerides is energy storage. They are classified depending on the number of fatty acids that react with glycerol. Glycerides are the chief element of vegetable oils. They comprise various fatty acids esterified with glycerol. The physicochemical properties of vegetable oil greatly depend on the nature of the fatty acids.

Steroids (Cholesterols)

Steroids are lipids since they are insoluble in water and hydrophobic. The structure of steroids consists of four fused rings. Steroids contain cholesterol and have multi-ring structures. Steroids are complex molecules that comprise of intertwining rings of carbon atoms with attached side chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (Fahy, Cotter, Sud and Subramaniam, 2011). Cholesterol in steroids is present in animal fats but in small amounts in few vegetable oils. Cholesterol is an essential lipid in the cell membrane. Cholesterol is a steroid which is a combination of alcohol and steroid synthesized in the liver.

Phospholipids

Phospholipids are lipid molecules and vital components of cell membranes. Each phospholipid consists of two fatty acids, glycerol molecules, and a phosphate group. Fatty acids are long chains consisting of hydrogen and carbon while the phosphate group comprise of phosphorous molecule with four oxygen molecules. The amphiphilic nature of phospholipids makes them essential in several functions of the body. Considerably, each body cell is encased in a membrane that consists of a phospholipid bilayer. Steroids play an essential role in the reproductive system of the body. Cholesterol synthesizes the steroid hormones which are used for cortisol and osmoregulation that are essential in metabolism.

Functions of Lipids

One of the major function of lipids is energy storage. For instance, if a person consumes too much food, lipids helps in storing energy as fat molecules. Lipids are found in all cells within the human body and are a vital in the cellular membrane. They also play an essential role in regulation of growth and how the body works. Lipids regulate hormones, reserve energy, transport fat-soluble nutrients, cushion vital organs and transmit nerve impulses (Hubler and Kennedy, 2016). For instance, fats play essential roles such as tissue structure, nerve impulse transmission, and memory storage. Cholesterol is synthesized in the liver and plays essential functions such as producing Vitamin D, the production of hormones, and bile salts (Santos and Preta, 2018). Cholesterol is the precursor to bile salts that enable the emulsification of fats and their absorption by cells. Triglycerides control the body climate to maintain the body temperatures as well as regulate and produce hormones. Phospholipids are essential in building membrane or protective barriers around the body cells. Phospholipids are synthesized in the body to structure organelle membranes and form cells.

Health Effects

Lipids are fat-like substances that are found in the body tissues and the blood. The human body needs small lipids amounts to work normally. However, excess or high amounts of lipids can have severe health effects due to the build-up of fats in the arteries, leading to blockage. Too much saturation of fatty acids causes cholesterol which builds up in the blood vessels such as arteries (Santos and Preta, 2018). High cholesterol lead to high risks of stroke and heart disease. Fatty acids are also related to various diseases such as inflammatory diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. High triglycerides may lead to the thickening of artery walls and the hardening of arteries. This raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease, and pancreatitis. High triglycerides lead to metabolic syndrome, leading to high blood pressure, too much fat around the waist, and unusual cholesterol levels (Hubler and Kennedy, 2016). Cholesterols are essential in building healthy body cells, but high cholesterol can lead to large fatty deposits in the blood vessels. This makes it challenging for enough blood to flow throughout the arteries.

Conclusion

Lipids perform various functions in the human body, especially in body tissues and blood vessels. The lipid functions include regulating hormones, energy reserve, and transportation of fat-soluble nutrients, and transmission of nerve impulses. However, excess lipids in the body can have great health effects. Saturated lipids lead to increased risks of heart disease, inflammatory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Lipids play an essential part in normal body functioning, but there is a need to maintain the lipid levels in the body.

References

Fahy, E., Cotter, D., Sud, M., & Subramaniam, S. (2011). Lipid classification, structures, and tools. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, 1811(11), 637-647.

Hubler, M. J., & Kennedy, A. J. (2016). Role of lipids in the metabolism and activation of immune cells. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 34, 1-7.

Santos, A. L., & Preta, G. (2018). Lipids in the cell: organization regulates function. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 75(11), 1909-1927.