4.

4 LIPIDS
 Energy rich organic compound made of
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

 However, the ratio of hydrogen atoms to

oxygen atoms in one molecule of lipid is
much higher than 2:1 ratio in carbohydrates.

 Percentage of Oxygen in lipids is lower than

in carbohydrates.
 Some lipids also contain phosphorus and
nitrogen.

 Soluble in other lipids and organic solvents

such as ether and alcohol
 Types of lipids
 Main types of lipids: fats, oils, waxes,
phospholipids and steroids.
 fats and oils are tryglycerides.
 Tryglycerides:
 Ester that is formed through the
condensation of one molecule of glycerol
and three molecules of fatty acids.
 Can also be broken down into fatty acids and
glycerol by hydrolysis reaction.
waxes:
 found on the cuticles of epidermis of leaves,
fruits and seeds of some plants.
 Waterproof, thus preventing the entry and
evaporation of water.
Sebum
 Excreted from the oil glands
 Contains wax that soften our skins
Phospholipids
 Important components in the formation of
plasma membrane
Steroids
 Complex organic compounds
 Includes cholesterol and hormones such as
testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone
 Fats and oils
 Each molecule consists of one m0lecule of
glycerol and three molecules of fatty acids
 Each fatty acid consists of a long hydrocarbon
chain with a different number of carbon
atoms for different fatty acids.
 Two types of fatty acids:
a) Saturated
b) Unsaturated

SATURATED
 Do not have any double bond
 Cannot form any chemical bonds with other
atom
 Solid at room temperature
 e.g: butter
UNSATURATED
 Has at least one double bond
 One double bond: monounsaturated
 2 or more: polyunsaturated
 Liquid at room temperature
 E.g: corn oil