CONCEPTS TO REMEMBER

Cholesterol. Cholesterol is a membrane lipid whose structure contains a steroid

nucleus. It is the most abundant type of steroid. Besides its membrane functions, it
also serves as a precursor for several other types of lipids

Lipoprotein. Lipoprotein is a protein that transports cholesterol in the blood. High

levels of Lp in the blood can increase the likelihood of plaques or blood clots
forming in the arteries. As a result of this effect, Lp can increase the risk
of cardiovascular disease.

Lipid bilayer. A lipid bilayer is the fundamental structure associated with a cell
membrane. It is a two-layer structure of lipid molecules (mostly phospholipids and
glycolipids) in which the nonpolar tails of the lipids are in the interior and the
polar heads are on the outside surfaces

Membrane transport mechanisms. The transport mechanisms by which molecules

enter and leave cells include passive transport, facilitated transport, and active
transport. Passive and facilitated transport follow a concentration gradient and
do not involve cellular energy expenditure. Active transport involves movement
against a concentration gradient and requires the expenditure of cellular energy

Bile acids. Bile acids are cholesterol derivatives that function as emsulsification
lipids. They cause dietary lipids to be soluble in the aqueous environment of the
digestive tract. Cholic acid and deoxycholic acids are the major types of bile acids

Steroid hormones. Steroid hormones are cholesterol derivatives that function as

messenger lipids. The two major types of steroid hormones are sex hormones and
adrenocorticoid hormones

Eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are fatty acid derivatives that function as messenger

lipids. The major classes of eicosanoids are prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and
leukotrienes.

Leukotrienes . Leukotrienes are chemicals your body releases (for example, when
you come into contact with something you’re allergic to). They can cause
Coughing, extra mucus and fluid in your chest and throat, inflammation or
swelling in your airway, tight muscles in your airway, tightness in your chest,
wheezing or difficulty breathing.

Prostaglandins. Prostaglandins can have healing effects, especially in the

stomach. They decrease stomach acid production while also stimulating the
release of protective mucus in the GI tract. They also influence blood clotting to
prevent bleeding. They also help dissolve clots when a person is healing.

Thromboxane. Thromboxane is a potent vasoconstrictor and stimulus for platelet

aggregation and the reduced vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation that occur
may be significant in patients with bleeding tendencies or may complicate surgical
procedures.

Biological waxes. Biological waxes are protective-coating lipids formed through

the esterification of a long-chain fatty acid to a long chain alcohol .

Estrogens. Estrogens are synthesized in the ovaries and adrenal cortex and are
responsible for the development of female secondary sex characteristics at the
onset of puberty and for regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Androgens. Androgens are synthesized in the testes and adrenal cortex and
promote the development of secondary male characteristics. They also promote
muscle growth.

Progestins. Progestins are synthesized in the ovaries and the placenta and
prepare the lining of the uterus for implantation of the fertilized ovum. They also
suppress ovulation.

Mineral wax. Mineral wax is a mixture of long-chain alkanes obtained from the
processing of petroleum.