Part IV: Carbohydrates & Lipids
Structural & Energy Molecules
Carbohydrates and lipids are essential biomolecules serving as energy sources, structural components, and signaling molecules. Carbohydrates range from simple monosaccharides like glucose to complex polysaccharides like glycogen and cellulose. Lipids — fatty acids, triacylglycerols, phospholipids, and steroids — are crucial for energy storage and form the structural basis of biological membranes through the lipid bilayer.
C₆H₁₂O₆
Glucose Formula
9 kcal/g
Lipid Energy Density
~5 nm
Membrane Thickness
Lecture Companions: Lipids & Carbohydrates
Five undergraduate lectures covering lipid families and bilayers, monosaccharides, complex carbohydrates, and glycoproteins/lectins.
Lipids & Membranes
8A. Lipids
8B. Lipid Bilayers & Membranes
Sugars & Carbohydrates
10A. Introduction to Sugars
10B. Complex Carbohydrates
10C. Glycoproteins & Lectins
Topics in This Part
12. Carbohydrate Chemistry
Monosaccharide stereochemistry, glycosidic bonds, disaccharides, polysaccharides (glycogen, starch, cellulose), and glycoproteins
13. Lipid Chemistry & Classification
Fatty acids, triacylglycerols, phospholipids, sphingolipids, cholesterol, and lipid physical properties
14. Biological Membranes & Transport
Fluid mosaic model, membrane proteins, passive and active transport, ion channels, and signal transduction