Question

Summarize the functions of steroids and eicosanoids

Short answer

Steroids are hormones that keep the cell membrane from becoming excessively fluid. Cholesterol is one of them (adds structure).

Eicosanoids play a role in the generation of pain and fever and blood pressure, blood coagulation, and reproduction. They don't travel through the bloodstream like other hormones and instead act on nearby targets.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

Lipids are a class of chemical molecules that are largely water-insoluble. Lipids, made up of fats and oils, are high-energy molecules with a chemical makeup dominated by carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Triacylglycerols, phospholipids, and sterols are the three main forms of lipids.

Eicosanoids are a group of compounds made up of 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids, the most common of which is arachidonic acid. Prostaglandins (PG), thromboxanes (TX), leukotrienes (LT), and lipoxins are all eicosanoids (LX).

Steroids

Sterols are a form of lipid that is classified as a steroid. Long-chain fatty acids and phospholipids are structurally distinct from sterols. In fatty acids, carbon atoms are long-chained and have a straight or branching structure, but in sterols, carbon atoms are grouped inmulti-ringed structures. Cholesterol is the greatest example of a sterol. Each corner of the multi-ring of cholesterol is positioned with a carbon atom.

Functions of Steroids

The steroid molecule includes four carbon atom rings and affects glucose metabolism while also acting as an anti-inflammatory in the body. Aldosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that controls salt and water balance in the body and maintains blood pressure.

Eicosanoids

Eicosanoids are lipid signal molecules made up of fatty acids found in the plasma membranes of a variety of cell types. These eicosanoids govern many cellular functions in the body on a local level. Eicosanoids are some of the paracrines. Prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes all belong to the eicosanoid family.

Functions of Eicosanoids

Prostaglandins are an eicosanoid. Because not all prostaglandin receptors are the same, prostaglandins have varying and sometimes opposing effects on their target cells. Prostaglandins, for example, can inflate or constrict blood arteries, causing a shift in blood pressure. They can also dilate or constrict the airways of the lungs and control inflammation, discomfort, and temperature. During labor, prostaglandinsconstrict smooth muscles, including those in the uterus.

Conclusion

Lipids are a huge and diverse category of molecules found in all living organisms and foods. They are distinguished by unique physicochemical qualities such as non-polarity and solubility in organic solvents.