BiologyChapter 2: Molecular Biology

2.18 Properties and Roles of Acylglycerols, Phospholipids, Terpenes and Waxes

Acylglycerols:

Introduction

Lipids are a diverse group of organic compounds. Among them, acylglycerols, phospholipids, terpenes, and waxes are important groups with distinct properties and roles in living organisms. This topic discusses the properties and functions of each of these lipid groups.

Definition

Acylglycerols: Esters of glycerol and fatty acids.

Phospholipids: Lipids containing a phosphate group, derived from phosphatidic acid.

Terpenes: Lipids synthesized from a five-carbon building block called isoprene unit.

Waxes: Esters of long-chain fatty acids with long-chain alcohols.

Acylglycerols = fats and oils (glycerol + fatty acids).
Phospholipids = membrane lipids (glycerol + fatty acids + phosphate).
Terpenes = lipids made of isoprene units.
Waxes = waterproofing lipids.

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