The simple lipids are those in whose composition participate oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. Its structure is made up of an alcohol and one or more fatty acids.
Lipids are ingested through foods such as dairy, oils, fish, nuts, among others. Once inside the body, the lipids fulfill very important functions, such as the protection of cells by means of the biological membrane, which covers said cells of a protective layer, which separates them from their environment.
Saturated fat molecule, a simple lipid
There is a general classification of lipids, according to which they may be unsaponifiable or saponifiable. Unsaponifiable lipids are those that do not contain fatty acids within their structure.
On the other hand, saponifiable lipids are those that do have fatty acids within their composition. Simple lipids fall into this category along with complex lipids, which are also characterized by having oxygen, carbon and hydrogen molecules, but also have sulfur, nitrogen, and other elements.
Simple lipids are a large reservoir of energy in the body and are characterized as not being soluble in water.
Classification of simple lipids
Simple lipids are classified into two major groups: acylglycerides or fats, and céridos.
1- Acylglycerides or fats
The acyl glycerides are esters formed by glycerol, a compound which has been esterified by one, two or three fatty acids.
Esterification is the process through which an ester is synthesized. An ester is an element that arises from a chemical reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid.
The reason that glycerol can react with one, two or three fatty acids is that each glycerol molecule has three hydroxyl groups.
Depending on the characteristics of the fatty acids that react with glycerol, the acyl glycerides are divided into two groups:
- The saturated fatty acids , which are those in which there are no carbon junctions (or double bonds between carbon and carbon), and have all the hydrogens that can house inside the structure.
These are generated by animals, and are also called fats. Saturated chain acylglycerides are characterized in that they are solid when at room temperature.
- The unsaturated fatty acids , which are those in which there are double bonds between carbons. These double bonds convert the structure into a rigid composition and prevent the molecules from being in contact with each other.
As a consequence of the separation of the molecules and the absence of interrelation in the unsaturated chains, this type of acid appears in liquid state when it is at room temperature.
Unsaturated acids are generated only by plants, and are called oils.
There may be a third case in which a glycerol binds two of its carbon with two fatty acids through esterification but the third carbon is attached to a phosphate group.
In this case a phospholipid molecule arises, one of whose most important functions is to form a structural part of the cell membrane.
However, depending on the amount of fatty acids forming an acylglyceride, three types can be described:
- When it is only a fatty acid bound to glycerol, it is called monoglyceride or monoalciglicérido. These compounds have emulsifying and stabilizing properties.
- When two fatty acids are linked to glycerol, it is a diacylglyceride or a diacylglycerol. This acylglyceride can function as a transmitter of messages into the cells.
- When they are three fatty acids (the maximum number of fatty acids that can exist in the structure) next to the glycerol, are called triacylglycerides or triglycerides. These fulfill energy storage functions; most of the fatty acids in the body of animals are presented as triacylglycerides.
2- Caustic acids
These acids are characterized by having a more varied composition. Its basic structure is formed by the union of a fatty acid and a monoalcohol (that alcohol that has only a hydroxyl group), both composed by long chains; that is, both chains have large amounts of carbon.
In addition to this structure, the acids have other elements, such as sterols, ketones, alcohols, among others. This combination of different compounds renders the acidic acids very complex.
Cider acids, also called waxes, have impermeable properties, because their two ends are hydrophobic, that is, they reject water.
The waxes are solid when they are at room temperature and can be modified when certain pressure is applied.
Caustic acids are present in both animals and plants. In plants they play a very important role, because they cover the stems, fruits and leaves, thus creating a protective layer that, in addition, makes it difficult for plants to lose excessive water during the evaporation process.
In the case of animals, the waxes may be found on the surface of the body, in the hair or feathers of the specimens.
Since the fundamental property of the acidic acids is impermeability, the main functions of these acids have to do with processes in which they repel water and protect from external conditions.
The waxes are present in different areas. Some of its most important uses and functions are the following:
- Ear ear wax prevents external elements from entering the ear canal, which could infect or cause damage.
- The honeycomb can be extracted from the honeycombs, which has moisturizing, antioxidant, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, among others. Beeswax is often used for cosmetological purposes.
- There is a pictorial technique that consists of using waxes and other pigments in the generation of works of art. This technique is called encaustic painting. It uses a mixture of resin and beeswax that is called"medium", which is characterized by being bright and hardened, so you do not need the use of protective glasses.
- Waxes can also be used in textiles. In synthetic fiber fabrics, waxes reduce static electricity and create a even texture.
References
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