Page 109 - General Biochemistry
P. 109
2) LIPID SYNTHESIS AND DEGRADATION
Synthesizing complex molecules from simple precursors (anabolism) involves
oxidation reactions while breaking them down via catabolism involves a
reduction reactions.
Lipid synthesis involves 2 main steps, the first is to make the hydrophobic acyl
chain and the second is to complex it (usually by esterification) to another
molecule that fulfills a specific function in vivo
There are 2 major molecules where FAs is incorporated:
Triacylglycerol (triglycerides) for energy storage and phospholipids that is
involved in the structure of the membranes
– Both of these molecules possess a glycerol backbone
Figure 26 triglycerides and phospholipids
Note
• FA catabolism and anabolism are regulated according to hormone levels in
animals and plants
• Anabolism and catabolism are opposite to each other
• Since lipids are stored as TAG in adipose tissue (adipocytes) so to degrade
FAs, the body must first get them out of “storage”
108
