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BI4.1-8 | Introduction to Chemistry and Metabolism of Lipids
Learning Objectives
- Describe the classification of lipids — simple, compound, and derived lipids — and their biological roles (BI4.1)
- Describe the chemistry and functions of fatty acids — saturated, unsaturated, essential, and non-essential (BI4.2)
- Describe the oxidation of fatty acids — beta-oxidation, energetics, and regulation (BI4.3)
- Describe the synthesis of fatty acids (lipogenesis) — pathway, regulation, and hormonal control (BI4.4)
- Describe the metabolism of cholesterol — synthesis (HMG-CoA reductase pathway), transport, and excretion (BI4.5)
- Describe the chemistry and metabolism of phospholipids and glycolipids — structure, function, and clinical significance (BI4.6)
- Describe the structure, function, and metabolism of lipoproteins — chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, HDL — and their role in atherosclerosis (BI4.7)
- Describe the biochemical basis of dyslipidaemias and the mechanism of action of lipid-lowering drugs including statins (BI4.8)
INSTRUCTIONS
This module covers the chemistry and metabolism of lipids — the molecules that store energy, build membranes, and (when they go wrong) cause the world's leading cause of death. We'll start with what lipids ARE, then follow them through breakdown (beta-oxidation) and synthesis (lipogenesis), before focusing on the clinically critical topic: cholesterol, lipoproteins, and how they cause atherosclerosis.
Parallel connections: In Anatomy (AN22), you're studying the coronary arteries — the very arteries that atherosclerosis blocks to cause myocardial infarction. The LDL cholesterol you learn about today is literally what accumulates in those arterial walls. In Physiology (PY5), you're studying cardiovascular physiology — blood pressure regulation fails when vessels harden from atherosclerotic plaque.
References
- Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 31st ed., Chapters 21-26: Lipid Metabolism (textbook)
- Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 8th ed., Chapters 17, 21: Fatty Acid Metabolism and Lipid Biosynthesis (textbook)
- Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry, 8th ed., Chapters 15-18: Lipid Metabolism (textbook)
- OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology 2e, Chapter 24: Metabolism and Nutrition (CC BY 4.0) (textbook (CC BY 4.0))
Version 2.0 | NMC CBUC 2024, Adapted from Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry