Tag: Hydrophobicity

Over 500 different amino acids are found in nature, yet only 20 are commonly encoded in the universal genetic code to build proteins. Each of these 20 amino acids is distinct due to a variable side chain, or R-group, attached to a common core structure. This unique structural feature is the key differentiator, influencing the chemical behavior and function of each amino acid within a protein.

According to reports, up to 90% of new drug candidates are poorly water-soluble, which poses a significant challenge for effective delivery. Addressing this, mixed micelles—nano-sized colloidal structures formed from a mixture of amphiphilic molecules—offer an elegant solution by significantly improving the aqueous solubility of otherwise insoluble substances.

While most macromolecules are defined by their repeating monomeric units, lipids are defined differently, based on a physical property rather than a structural one. This critical distinction forms the basis for deciding if a substance is a lipid, focusing primarily on its insolubility in water and solubility in non-polar organic solvents.

Gram for gram, lipids store more than twice the amount of energy as carbohydrates, with 9 kcal/g compared to 4 kcal/g. This fundamental difference in energy density and molecular structure explains the distinct roles lipids and carbohydrates play in the body's energy economy, from immediate fuel to long-term reserves.

Biologically, lipids and carbohydrates are two distinct classes of macromolecules with entirely different structures and functions. Despite both being critical to life, a common misconception arises from their role in energy provision, leading some to wonder: are lipids known as sugars?

Providing more than double the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates, simple lipids are a vital class of biomolecules. This guide delves into what are the properties of simple lipids, from their hydrophobic nature to their energy-rich composition, highlighting their crucial roles in biology.

Triglycerides contain more than twice the amount of energy per gram compared to carbohydrates, making them a highly efficient fuel source. This exceptional energy density is just one key reason why triglycerides are ideal for storage, serving as the body's primary long-term energy reserve.

Every cell in the human body requires cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance, for proper functioning. Understanding the basic structure of cholesterol is key to grasping its diverse roles, from maintaining cell membrane integrity to serving as a precursor for vital hormones.

Over 90% of a cell's mass is water, yet lipids thrive within this aqueous environment, forming vital structures like cell membranes. This seemingly contradictory coexistence is made possible by the defining factor of all lipids: their hydrophobic nature, which is their insolubility in water. This unifying trait underpins the diverse functions of this essential class of biomolecules.

According to research, it can take anywhere from three to six hours for fats to move through the stomach, significantly longer than the time required for carbohydrates. This prolonged digestion time is due to a series of unique challenges posed by the nature of lipid molecules.