Lipids: Biochemistry and Health

A biomolecule that is soluble in nonpolar solvents is called lipid. They are sometimes defined as amphiphilic or hydrophobic small molecules. Hydrocarbons that are used to dissolve other naturally occurring hydrocarbon lipid molecules, which do not dissolve in water such as waxes sterols, triglycerides, fatty acids, etc., are called non-polar solvents. Lipids perform various biological functions that include signaling, acting as structural components of the cell membrane and storing energy. It encompasses molecules such as fatty acids and their derivatives as well as other sterol-containing metabolites such as cholesterol. Their applications are present in nanotechnology as well as in the cosmetic and food industries. Lipids are divided into various categories such as prenol lipids, glycerolipids, sphingolipids, sterol lipids, etc. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies on lipids have been included in this book. It presents this complex subject in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. This book is a resource guide for experts as well as students.