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Structure of Lipids03:38

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Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic...
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Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis...
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Lipids also are sources of energy that power cellular processes. Like carbohydrates, lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but these atoms are arranged differently. Most lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
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Triglycerides serve as crucial long-term energy storage molecules in microorganisms, providing a dense source of metabolic energy. Their breakdown is mediated by lipases, which hydrolyze triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Each of these components follows distinct metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to ATP synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis.Glycerol MetabolismGlycerol, released from triglyceride hydrolysis, is phosphorylated by glycerol kinase to form...
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Author Spotlight: Optimizing Hollow-Fiber Membranes for Continuous Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids
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Very long chain fatty acids.

Lucie Kyselová1, Milada Vítová2, Tomáš Řezanka3

  • 1Research Institute of Brewing and Malting, Lípová 511, 120 44 Prague, Czech Republic.

Progress in Lipid Research
|July 10, 2022
PubMed
Summary

This review explores very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), crucial lipids in all organisms. It details their analysis, occurrence, biosynthesis, and the role of ELOVL4, highlighting unexplored properties.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Lipidomics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are essential lipids found across diverse organisms, from bacteria to humans.
  • VLCFAs, including very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFAs), are defined by their long carbon chains (≥23 carbons).
  • These compounds play vital roles in various lipid classes, yet their full chemical, biochemical, and biological significance remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the analysis of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs).
  • To review the occurrence and analytical methods for VLCFAs in both lower and higher organisms.
  • To discuss the biosynthesis of VLCFAs, with a specific focus on the ELOVL4 protein.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on scientific papers detailing VLCFA analysis, occurrence, and biosynthesis.
  • Synthesis and isolation of VLCFA standards from natural sources.
  • Comparative analysis of VLCFA properties across different biological kingdoms.

Main Results:

  • VLCFAs are ubiquitous and structurally diverse, with varying chain lengths and saturation levels.
  • Established methods for obtaining VLCFA standards include natural sourcing and chemical synthesis.
  • ELOVL4 is identified as a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of VLCFAs.

Conclusions:

  • VLCFAs are fundamental biomolecules with diverse roles across all life forms.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex chemical, biochemical, and biological functions of VLCFAs.
  • Understanding VLCFA biosynthesis, particularly the role of ELOVL4, is crucial for future investigations.