The AOCS Lipid Library

Simple Lipids, Sterols, Lipoproteins and Other Miscellaneous Lipid Classes

Here, the individual simple lipid classes are described. Glycerolipids such as the triacylglycerols are the most important lipids of commerce as well as being essential for the well-being of organisms. In addition to serving as precursors for complex lipids, 1,2-sn-diacylglycerols are vital cellular messengers.

Other simple lipids include the sterols, which are key membrane constituents as well as precursors of certain vitamins and hormones. The tocopherols are complex isoprenoids, which function as antioxidants and have vitamin E activity. Simple amides like anandamide interact with the cannabinoid receptors, while oleamide is the cellular messenger that switches on sleep. Coenzyme A esters are essential for the biosynthesis of virtually all lipids. All have their own unique properties.

For practical convenience, we list pages dealing with plasma lipoproteins and proteolipids here, in addition to a number of lipid classes that do not fit into any of the other major categories, including lipid A, microbial surfactants and various sulfolipids.

Simple Glycerolipids Triacylglycerols - structure and composition     ditto - biosynthesis & metabolism Diacylglycerols Monoacylglycerols - including 2-arachidonoylglycerol Sterols and other isoprenoid lipids Sterols 1. Cholesterol + cholesterol esters - and other animal sterols                2. Oxysterols & other cholesterol derivatives                3. Plant sterols + sterol esters, sterol glycosides & ergosterol                4. Hopanoids + related compounds                5. Bile acids and alcohols Tocopherols and tocotrienols Other isoprenoids - plastoquinone, ubiquinone, phylloquinone, dolichols, retinol Lipoproteins Proteolipids - myristoylated, pamitoylated, prenyl, cholesterol-linked, bacterial Plasma lipoproteins - from chylomicrons to HDL Microbial lipopeptides Miscellaneous simple and complex lipids Free (unesterified) fatty acids Anandamide, oleamide & other simple fatty amides Simple lipoamino acids Cyanolipids Waxes Carnitine & acylcarnitines Coenzyme A esters Rhamnolipids, sophorolipids and other glycolipid biosurfactants Lipid A & bacterial lipopolysaccharides Miscellaneous sulfur-containing lipids

The webpage dealing with ether lipids is also relevant here.

These essays are aimed at generalists - not experts in particular disciplines - but it is hoped that the reading lists at the end of each will provide for those who require a more specialized knowledge. PDF files are available for download at the end of web-pages. There are shortcuts to a full list of individual lipid classes here.

James Hutton Institute (and Mylnefield Lipid Analysis), Invergowrie, Dundee (DD2 5DA), Scotland.
© AOCS	Updated: January 12th, 2012	Credits/disclaimer