Structure and functions of cholesterol in the body

Screenshot 2024 01 09 185808 Structure and functions of cholesterol in the body

Cholesterol is a type of lipid, or fat, that is essential for various physiological functions in the body. It is a sterol characterized by a four-ring structure known as a steroid nucleus. Cholesterol is a crucial component of cell membranes and serves as a precursor for the synthesis of hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids. … Read more

Fatty acid classification – Based on chemical and nutritional requirements with examples

Screenshot 2024 01 09 184743 Fatty acid classification - Based on chemical and nutritional requirements with examples

Fatty Acid Classification: Fatty acids are organic molecules composed of hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group (COOH) at one end. They play crucial roles in various biological processes, serving as building blocks for more complex lipids and contributing to energy storage. Fatty acids can be classified based on their chemical structure and nutritional significance. Chemical … Read more

Structure and properties of triglycerides (oils and fats)

Screenshot 2024 01 09 183454 Structure and properties of triglycerides (oils and fats)

Structure of Triglycerides 1. Basic Composition: Triglycerides, commonly known as fats or oils, are the most common type of lipid found in both plants and animals. The basic structure of a triglyceride consists of a glycerol molecule attached to three fatty acid chains. 2. Glycerol Molecule: Glycerol is a three-carbon alcohol with three hydroxyl (OH) … Read more

Lipids: Definition, classification with examples

Screenshot 2024 01 06 152446 Lipids: Definition, classification with examples

Lipids are a diverse group of organic molecules that are characterized by their hydrophobic (water-insoluble) nature. They are an essential class of biological macromolecules, along with proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. Lipids serve various crucial roles in living organisms, including energy storage, structural components of cell membranes, insulation, and signaling molecules. The term “lipid” encompasses … Read more

Diseases related to malnutrition of proteins.

Screenshot 2023 12 22 151835 Diseases related to malnutrition of proteins.

Malnutrition of proteins can lead to various diseases and health conditions due to insufficient intake or inadequate absorption of essential proteins. Protein malnutrition can manifest as both protein deficiency (kwashiorkor) and overall malnutrition (marasmus). Here are details on diseases related to protein malnutrition: 1. Kwashiorkor Cause: Kwashiorkor is primarily caused by a severe deficiency of … Read more

Qualitative tests and the biological role of proteins and amino acids

Screenshot 2023 12 22 151443 Qualitative tests and the biological role of proteins and amino acids

Qualitative Tests for Proteins Various qualitative tests are employed to identify the presence of proteins in a biological sample. Here are some common methods: 1. Biuret Test The Biuret Test is a biochemical test used to detect the presence of peptide bonds in proteins, where a violet-colored complex forms when proteins react with copper sulfate … Read more

Protein Structure: Four Levels of Organization

Screenshot 2023 12 22 150749 Protein Structure: Four Levels of Organization

The structure of proteins is organized at four distinct levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. Each level of the organization contributes to the overall shape, function, and stability of a protein. Here’s a detailed explanation of each level: 1. Primary Structure – Definition: The primary structure of a protein refers to the linear sequence of … Read more

Amino Acids: Definition, Classification, and Nutritional Significance

Screenshot 2023 12 22 144803 Amino Acids: Definition, Classification, and Nutritional Significance

Definition: Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They consist of an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a side chain (R group), all bonded to a central carbon atom. The side chain varies among different amino acids, giving each its unique properties. Classification of Amino Acids … Read more

Definition classification of proteins based on composition and solubility with examples

Screenshot 2023 12 22 142756 Definition classification of proteins based on composition and solubility with examples

Proteins are Large biomolecules composed of amino acid chains, proteins play essential roles in the structure, function, and regulation of cells and tissues. The structure and function of proteins are incredibly diverse, allowing them to perform a wide range of biological activities. Classification of Proteins Based on Composition Proteins can be classified based on their … Read more

Qualitative tests and biological role of carbohydrates

Screenshot 2023 12 22 141405 Qualitative tests and biological role of carbohydrates

Qualitative tests for carbohydrates involve detecting the presence of specific functional groups or characteristics indicative of different types of carbohydrates. Here are some common qualitative tests for carbohydrates: 1. Benedict’s Test (Reducing Sugars) Principle: Detects reducing sugars that can reduce copper ions (Cu²⁺) to form a colored precipitate. Procedure: A sample is mixed with Benedict’s … Read more