3. Lipids

3.1 Presentation

Based on their hydrophobic nature, two groups of lipids with distinct biological functions can be distinguished.

Some lipids are made up of completely apolar molecules: these are neutral lipids. On the other hand, other lipids have a bipolar molecule, one end of which remains attracted to water: amphiphilic lipids.

In biological terms, neutral lipids are deposit lipids, constituting energy reserves in living matter. Amphiphilic lipids, on the other hand, are the building blocks of biological membranes.

The biochemical classification of lipids is as follows:

• simple lipids or homolipids are ternary lipids made up solely of C, H and O. They are neutral...