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

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

← Part III 12. Carbohydrates →