Different types of lipids (triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids) – examples, structures, functions
Lipids include a diverse group of water insoluble biomolecules that are mainly nonpolar in nature.
3 main types of lipids include:
Different types of lipids have a variety of biological roles.
Partly the main function of triglycerides is similar to carbohydrates. They serve as fuel molecules.
Phospholipids are components of plasma membranes.
3 different types of carbohydrates: monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides
Functions of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, along with lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, belong to 4 major macromolecules of life.
The main role of carbohydrates is to provide energy.
Living organisms use monosaccharides to fuel metabolic reactions. They produce ATP in a process of aerobic cellular respiration.
Stored form of carbohydrates is polysaccharides such as starch and glycogen.
4 structures of proteins and their building blocks – 20 amino acids
Proteins are an one of 4 major types of biological molecules made up of amino acids.
An importance of proteins can be seen through the vast range of functions that they perform.
Some examples of proteins are:
- Immunoglobins, which protect animals from foreign microbes and cancer cells.
- Hemoglobin, which shuttles oxygen from place to place in mammals.
- Protein carriers, which help move sucrose through phloem tissue in plants.
- Keratin, the most common protein in vertebrates, is found in hair and fingernails.
Cofactor vs coenzyme. Types of vitamins (fat soluble vs water soluble).
Difference between cofactor and coenzyme
Many enzymes have to link to their respective helpers to promote optimal arrangement of their atoms and proper functioning. Cofactors and coenzymes are two sorts of such helper molecules.
Cofactors
Cofactors are inorganic ions.