Lipids

Explore the curriculum

• Lipids: general principles and classification

  Define lipids through their properties, functions, and transport, then organise their principal structural families.

• Fatty acids: structure and properties

  Definition, nomenclature, families, atypical fatty acids, eicosanoids and physicochemical properties.

• Simple lipids: structure and properties

  Glycerides, cerides and sterides: structures, nomenclature, storage, reactions and biological roles.

• Complex lipids: structure and properties

  Glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, amphiphilicity, hydrolysis and membrane, signalling and recognition roles.

• Lipoproteins: structure and metabolism

  Architecture, apolipoproteins, receptors, lipid transport and the links between LDL, HDL and atherosclerosis.

• Fatty-acid metabolism: synthesis and degradation

  Connect the roles of fatty acids with lipogenesis, β-oxidation, and the fate of acetyl-CoA.

• Ketone-body metabolism

  Hepatic ketogenesis, extrahepatic ketolysis, energy yield, regulation and ketoacidosis.

• Cholesterol metabolism

  Connect cholesterol sources, biosynthesis, transport, esterification, and conversion to bile acids.

• Triacylglycerol metabolism

  Digestion, transport, storage, lipolysis, biosynthesis and hormonal regulation of triacylglycerols.

• Complex-lipid metabolism

  Biosynthesis and catabolism of glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids, including major sphingolipidoses.

• Lipid digestion and absorption

  Emulsification, gastric and intestinal hydrolysis, mixed micelles and absorption into portal blood or chylomicrons.