Water, Proteins and Lipids in the Body

June 2006: Volume 1 Number 6

We all know about water and its properties, but what about the proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids that exists in our bodies.

Proteins are composed of a series of amino acid molecules. You might say, “What are molecules of amino acids?” Amino acids contain the elements carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), and Sulfur (S). These molecules are hooked together with covalent bonds between each of these elements. They are put together in a specific way like when you put a puzzle together. Each amino acid is different than any other amino acid. Each of these amino acids have a nitrogen end (also called the amino end) and an oxygen end (also called a carboxyl end) to attach with other amino acids making a long continuous connection of different amino acids. The amino end of one amino acid attaches to the oxygen end of another amino acid. When you get amino acids hooked together in a specific order you have larger molecular structures called proteins. In other words, protein molecules are simply a chain of amino acids held together by peptide or covalent bonds. Protein structures make up body structures such as DNA, RNA and the muscles.

Lipids are also called fatty tissues or the fat in the body. There are many types of fats in the body. There are the natural fats, phospholipids and steroids. Natural fats contain the elements Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O). These fats are composed of straight chains of methyl groups [-CH2-] and contain a carboxyl group at the end [-COOH]. When you have three of these chains hooked onto a glycerol molecule with their carboxyl groups, you make a triglyceride molecule. Triglyceride molecules provide the body with a reservoir of potential energy to be used when needed for physical movement and thought processes. Sometimes it is just stored as that famous fat pot belly we all want to be gone from our physique. Phospholipids contain the elements of Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P). These structures are similar to the triglyceride molecule which has a glycerol backbone, two chains of natural fats, but the third connection is linked with a phosphate group. These molecules are usually interfaced between water and fat areas of the body. They are major components of cell membranes and can act as a distinct barrier between two water compartments. Other examples of phospholipids are lecithin, fixed oils like corn oil, almond oil or peanut oil. Steroids contain Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O). Steroid molecules include structures like cholesterol, many different hormones (like cortisol and sex hormones), Vitamin D, and bile salts.

We all know about water and its properties and we have discussed proteins and lipids in this publication. We will talk about carbohydrates and nucleic acids that exist in our bodies in our next publication.

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