What Are the Functions of Derived Lipids?

The functions of derived lipids vary according to the type of lipid. Derived lipids include steroid hormones, ketone bodies, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, mono and diglycerides, terpenes and carotenoids.

Background

• Lipids come in six classes: simple, compound, phospholipids, glycolipids, derived lipids and sterols.

Derived Lipids

• Derived lipids are obtained from hydrolysis of simple and compound lipids. Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which water reacts with a compound to produce other compounds.

Steroid Hormones

• Steroid hormones are responsible for many physiological functions in the human body.

Fatty Acids and Ketone Bodies

• Fatty acids are important in the function of many tissues in the body. Ketone bodies are important in the body's production of energy.

Considerations

• In general, lipids, including derived lipids, are an important energy source for the body and are important in cell function.