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Write a note on derived lipids. |
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Answer» Derived Lipids: a. They are composed of fused hydrocarbon rings (steroid nucleus) and a long hydrocarbon side chain. b. One of the most common sterols is cholesterol. Biological significance: a. It is widely distributed in all cells of the animal body, but particularly in nervous tissue. b. Cholesterol exists either free or as cholesterol ester. c. Adrenocorticoids, sex hormones (progesterone, testosterone) and vitamin D are synthesized from cholesterol. d. Cholesterol is not found in plants. e. Sterols exist as phytosterols in plants. f. Yam Plant (Dioscorea) produces a steroid compound called diosgenin. It is used in the manufacture of antifertility pills, i.e. birth control pills. |
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