|
|
|
|
This chapter discusses the chemistry of lipids. Lipids are compounds found in living organisms that are soluble in nonpolar organic solvents. Because a compound is classified as a lipid only on the basis of its solubility, you will see a wide variety of functional groups in lipid molecules. The reason lipids dissolve in nonpolar solvents is because they have a significant hydrocarbon component. The hydrocarbon portion of the compound is responsible for the "oiliness" or "fattiness" associated with lipids. The word lipid comes from the Greek lipos, which means "fat." Lipids have a variety of structures and functions. Some of the lipids discussed in this chapter are waxes, fats and oils, membrane components, prostaglandins, terpenes, and steroids.
|