Lipids are classified into eight main categories based on their chemical structure and biosynthetic origin. These categories provide a framework for understanding the diverse roles lipids play in biological systems.
Lipid Classification System
The classification system divides lipids into eight main categories:
- Fatty Acyls: These are carboxylic acids with long aliphatic tails, saturated or unsaturated.
- Glycerolipids: These are composed of a glycerol backbone esterified with one, two, or three fatty acids.
- Glycerophospholipids: These are similar to glycerolipids but have a phosphate group attached to the glycerol backbone.
- Sphingolipids: These are based on a sphingoid base backbone, such as sphingosine.
- Saccharolipids: These are lipids in which fatty acids are directly linked to a sugar backbone.
- Polyketides: These are synthesized from the condensation of ketoacyl subunits.
- Sterol Lipids: These are derived from isoprene subunits and characterized by a sterol ring structure.
- Prenol Lipids: These are synthesized from isoprene subunits.
| Lipid Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Fatty Acyls | Long-chain carboxylic acids. |
| Glycerolipids | Lipids with a glycerol backbone and fatty acids. |
| Glycerophospholipids | Lipids with a glycerol backbone, fatty acids, and a phosphate group. |
| Sphingolipids | Lipids based on a sphingoid base backbone. |
| Saccharolipids | Lipids with fatty acids linked to a sugar backbone. |
| Polyketides | Lipids synthesized from ketoacyl subunits. |
| Sterol Lipids | Lipids derived from isoprene subunits featuring a sterol ring structure. |
| Prenol Lipids | Lipids synthesized from isoprene subunits. |
This classification, as the reference indicates, helps in organizing and studying the diverse roles of lipids.
