Human Biochemistry, Volume 1 - Murray R. 1993

Bioenergetics and Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism
Physiologically Important Lipids
Classification of Lipids

Here is the Classification of Lipids proposed by Bloor (in a somewhat modified form).

A. Simple Lipids: esters of Fatty acids with various alcohols.

1. Fats: esters of fatty acids with glycerol; when liquid at room Temperature, they are referred to as oils.

2. Waxes: esters of fatty acids with monohydric alcohols.

B. Complex Lipids: esters of fatty acids with alcohols that contain additional groups.

1. Phospholipids: lipids containing a phosphoric acid residue In addition to Fatty Acids and an alcohol. They frequently include nitrogenous bases and other components.

a. Glycerophospholipids: glycerol serves as the alcohol.

b. Sphingophospholipids: sphingosine serves as the alcohol.

2. Glycolipids (glycosphingolipids): lipids containing a fatty acid, sphingosine, and a carbohydrate moiety.

3. Other complex lipids: sulfolipids, aminolipids. Lipoproteins can also be classified within this category.

C. Precursor and derived lipids. These include fatty acids, glycerol, Steroids, other alcohols (besides glycerol and sterols), fatty acid aldehydes, Ketone Bodies (see Chapter 28), Hydrocarbons, Fat-soluble Vitamins, and Hormones.

Because acylglycerols (glycerides), Cholesterol, and cholesterol esters carry no electrical charge, they are classified as neutral lipids.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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