COMPOUND LIPIDS (COMPLEX LIPIDS)
Definition:
Compound (or complex) lipids are esters of fatty acids with alcohols, plus additional groups such as
phosphate, sugar, or proteins. They differ from simple lipids (which have only glycerol + fatty acids)
because they contain non-lipid components.
Main Types of Compound Lipids:
1. PHOSPHOLIPIDS
Contain phosphoric acid and usually a nitrogen-containing base in addition to fatty acids and
glycerol (or sphingosine).
General Structure:
Backbone: Glycerol or sphingosine
Components: 2 fatty acids + 1 phosphate group + 1 nitrogen base (choline, ethanolamine, or
serine)
Types of Phospholipids:
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Phosphatidylcholine (Lecithin)
Structure: Glycerol + 2 FAs + phosphate + choline
Function: Major membrane lipid; aids in fat transport and emulsification.
Phosphatidylethanolamine (Cephalin)
Structure: Glycerol + 2 FAs + phosphate + ethanolamine
Function: Found in brain & nerve tissues; role in membrane fusion.
Phosphatidylserine
Structure: Glycerol + 2 FAs + phosphate + serine
Function: Cell signaling & apoptosis.
Phosphatidylinositol
Structure: Glycerol + 2 FAs + phosphate + inositol
Function: Cell signaling (forms IP3 and DAG messengers).
Sphingomyelin
Structure: Sphingosine + FA + phosphate + choline
Function: Found in myelin sheath of nerve cells.
Functions:
- Cell membrane formation and fluidity
- Cell signaling and nerve function
- Transport and metabolic roles
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2. GLYCOLIPIDS
Contain carbohydrate (sugar) residues instead of phosphate; derivatives of sphingosine.
General Structure:
Sphingosine backbone + Fatty acid + Carbohydrate (usually galactose or glucose)
Types of Glycolipids:
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Cerebrosides:
Sphingosine + FA + one sugar (glucose/galactose)
Function: Insulation and nerve impulse transmission; found in brain and nerve tissues (myelin).
Gangliosides:
Sphingosine + FA + oligosaccharide + sialic acid
Function: Cell recognition, receptor sites, nerve tissue (neuronal membranes).
Globosides:
Sphingosine + FA + 2 or more sugars
Function: Blood group antigens, cell recognition; found in RBC membranes and kidneys.
Functions:
- Cell recognition and receptor binding
- Immune response and nerve conduction
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3. LIPOPROTEINS
Complexes of lipids + proteins that transport lipids in blood (lipids are water-insoluble).
Structure:
Core: Triglycerides + cholesterol esters
Surface: Phospholipids + free cholesterol + apolipoproteins
Types (Based on Density):
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Chylomicrons – Transport dietary lipids from intestine to tissues.
VLDL – Transport lipids from liver to tissues.
LDL (“Bad cholesterol”) – Delivers cholesterol to cells.
HDL (“Good cholesterol”) – Removes excess cholesterol from tissues to liver.
Functions:
- Lipid transport and cholesterol balance
- Prevent atherosclerosis (via HDL)
- Support membrane synthesis and hormone production
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OVERALL FUNCTIONS OF COMPOUND LIPIDS:
- Structural: Components of membranes (phospholipids & glycolipids)
- Transport: Lipoproteins carry lipids in blood
- Electrical insulation: Sphingomyelin in nerve sheath
- Cell recognition & signaling: Glycolipids act as antigens/receptors
- Metabolic regulation: Phosphoinositides produce IP3, DAG messengers
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SUMMARY TABLE:
Type Non-lipid part Example Function
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Phospholipid Phosphate + N-base Lecithin, Cephalin Membrane structure, signaling
Glycolipid Carbohydrate Cerebroside, Ganglioside Cell recognition, nerve tissue
Lipoprotein Protein HDL, LDL Lipid transport
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END OF NOTES
