Equine Physiology Workbook

3) Polysaccharides : complex sugar, many carbon rings (10s to 100s)

Examples:

2. Lipids

Lipids comprise 18-25% of body weight and consist primarily of Carbon and Hydrogen , as well as some Oxygen . They are hydrophobic.

Functions : insulation, protection & energy storage.

1. Triglycerides: (fats and oils)

 The body’s most highly concentrated form of chemical energy.  Capacity to store triglycerides in adipose (fat) is unlimited. •

Excess dietary carbs, fats, oils are all

deposited in adipose tissue as triglycerides. •

Structure: single glycerol head with three

fatty acid (FA) molecules.

2. Phospholipids:

Major component of cell membranes; high

concentrations in nervous system (NS).  Structure: glycerol, two FA chains attached to the first two carbons, with a phosphate group linked nitrogen to the third carbon

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