Lipids are essential molecules in the body, playing crucial roles in energy storage, cell membrane structure, and signaling. The building blocks of lipids are fatty acids and glycerol.
Fatty acids are long chains of hydrocarbons with a carboxyl group at one end. They can be saturated (no double bonds) or unsaturated (one or more double bonds). Glycerol is a three-carbon alcohol that serves as the backbone for many lipids.
When fatty acids combine with glycerol, they form triglycerides, which are the most common type of lipid found in the body. This combination occurs through a process called esterification, where the carboxyl group of the fatty acid reacts with the hydroxyl group of glycerol, releasing a water molecule.
In addition to triglycerides, lipids also include phospholipids and sterols. Phospholipids are similar to triglycerides but have a phosphate group instead of one fatty acid, making them essential components of cell membranes. Sterols, like cholesterol, have a different structure but are also vital for cell membrane integrity and hormone production.