Diglycerides
Diglycerides (pronounced: di-glyc-er-ides) are a type of Lipid that are composed of two Fatty acid chains covalently bonded to a Glycerol molecule through an Ester linkage. They are commonly found in nature and are part of the Triglyceride family, which are the main constituents of body fat in humans and other animals, as well as vegetable fat.
Etymology
The term "Diglycerides" is derived from the Greek word "di", meaning "two", and "glyceride", which is a type of Ester formed from Glycerol and Fatty acids.
Structure
Diglycerides are composed of a Glycerol molecule and two Fatty acid chains. The fatty acids can be the same or different and are attached to the glycerol molecule through an Ester linkage. This structure is what distinguishes diglycerides from Monoglycerides (which have one fatty acid chain) and Triglycerides (which have three fatty acid chains).
Function
In the human body, diglycerides serve several important functions. They are a source of energy and are also used in the synthesis of lipid bilayers, which are a major component of all cell membranes. Diglycerides also play a role in lipid metabolism, acting as intermediates in the biosynthesis and breakdown of Triglycerides.
Related Terms
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