Complex Lipids function, definition, types and structure, Phospholipids and Glycolipids
Complex lipids are widely distributed in plants, bacteria, and animals. They are the major constituents of cell membranes but they are found also in circulating fluids. Complex lipids can be classified into four main groups: Lipids with the phosphate residue, one glycerol, or the amino alcohol or fatty alcohol, and one or two fatty chains.
Complex lipids
Complex lipids contain frequently three or more chemical identities (i.e. glycerol, fatty acids, and sugar, one long chain base, one nucleoside, one fatty acid, and one phosphate group…) and they have polar properties, and some complex lipids contain only two components but including a sugar moiety.
Complex lipids are a diverse group of molecules that are essential components of living organisms. Unlike simple lipids (like triglycerides), they contain additional components beyond fatty acids and glycerol. These components often include phosphate, nitrogenous bases, and carbohydrates, giving them unique properties and functions.
Types of Complex Lipids
Complex Lipids
1- Phospholipids
They are membrane components, amphipathic, ionic compounds, there are two classes of phospholipids, those that have glycerol as a backbone (Glycerophospholipids) and those that have sphingosine as a backbone (sphingophospholipids), both are considered as a constant element of fat.
Phospholipids are the most abundant complex lipids. They consist of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acids, a phosphate group, and often a nitrogenous group. They form the primary component of cell membranes. Examples: phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine.
GlygeroRhospholipids
The precursor compound of glycerophospholipids is the phosphoric ester of glycerol (glycerol-3-phosphate). this compound has an asymmetric carbon atom and can exist either in D form or L form, it was found that the L-isomer of glycerol phosphate is found in the natural phosphoglycerols (phosphoglycerides).
L-Phosphoacylglycerol (L-phosphoglycerides)
The fatty acids present in phosphoglycerides are mostly saturated in the 1st position of glycerol, and the second is an unsaturated fatty acid, both are high fatty acids, phospholipids because they have phosphoryl bases as polar hydrophilic heads (ionizable heads) in addition to their hydrocarbon non-polar hydrophobic tail are considered (amphipathic).
Types of Glycerophosppholipics
1- Phosphatidic acid is the simplest form of phosphoglycerols and it is the precursor of the other members of this group, it is present mainly as an intermediate compound during the synthesis of phosphoglycerols and triacylglycerol, it occurs in very small amounts in the cell, it has no base.
2- Lecithin (phosphatidyl choline) is the most abundant phosphoglyceride in plants and animals, the base here is choline, It is present in the animal’s cell membrane.
Dipalmitoyl lecithin: in this phospholipid position 4,2 of glycerol is occupied by palmitate, this phospholipid is the major lipid component of lung surfactants (The extracellular fluid lining the alveoli), surfactants serve to decrease the surface tension of the fluid layer, therefore, prevent alveolar collapse, its absence from the lungs of premature infants causes respiratory distress syndrome.
3- Cephalin (phosphatidyl ethanolamine) is another abundant phosphoglycerol (phosphoglycerides) that is also found in the animal cell membrane, the base is ethanolamine, there are 3 and 2 cephalin, cephalin is one of the important blood clotting factors.
4- Phosphatidyl serine is cephalin-like and present in many tissues, the base is the amino acid serine.
5- Lipositol (phosphatidyl inositol): The polar head here is the cyclic hexose sugar alcohol inositol (myoinositol), two or three moles of phosphoric acid may be present in inositol phosphatide, an inositol phosphatide containing 3 moles of phosphoric acid (1, 4, 5) is present in the brain and muscles.
Sphingophospholipids
This group of phospholipids contains sphingosine instead of glycerol, a higher fatty acid as lignoceric acid, phosphoric acid, and a base, they are important membrane components both in plants and animal cells, they are present especially in large amounts in the brain and myelin of nerve tissues.
The amino group of sphingosine is connected by an amide linkage to a long chain saturated or monounsaturated fatty acid, the resulting compound is called Ceramide, it is the characteristic parent structure of all sphingolipids, the most abundant sphingophospholipids in tissues of animals are sphingomyelins, they contain a phosphoryl choline as their polar head group.
2- Glycolipids (Glycosphingolipids)
Glycolipids are widely distributed in every tissue of the body, particularly in nervous tissue such as the brain, they occur also in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane having a role in cell communication.
Glycolipids contain a carbohydrate group attached to a lipid. They are important for cell recognition and signaling. They are abundant in nerve tissue. Examples: cerebrosides, gangliosides.
Glycolipids are classified into:
1- Neutral (cerebrosides), according to the monosaccharide bound to the ceramide they are:
- Galactocerbroside
- Glucocerebroside
2- Acidic:
- Sulfatides (Galactocerbroside Sulfate).
- Gangliosides (Glucocerebroside to which one or more sialic acids are added).
3- Sphingolipids
Sphingolipids are derived from sphingosine, an amino alcohol, instead of glycerol. They are important components of cell membranes, especially in nerve tissue. Examples: sphingomyelin, and cerebrosides.
Functions of Complex Lipids
- Cell membrane structure: Phospholipids form the lipid bilayer, which is the foundation of all cell membranes.
- Signaling: Glycolipids and some phospholipids act as receptors for hormones and other signaling molecules.
- Energy storage: While not the primary energy storage form, some complex lipids can be broken down for energy.
- Insulation: Lipids, including complex lipids, help in thermal insulation.
- Protection: They form a protective barrier around cells and organs.
Importance of Complex Lipids
Complex lipids are crucial for various biological processes. Their role in cell membrane structure is fundamental for life. They are involved in cell signaling, nerve function, and energy metabolism. Additionally, they contribute to the structure and function of other cellular components.
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