LIPIDS

Lipids are organic substances that include fats and fat-like substances such as phospholipids,
waxes, steroids, and others. Lipids are generally hydrophobic substances and are insoluble in
water. Like carbohydrates, lipids are also made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen but they
contain less oxygen in proportion to hydrogen and also have the “job” of storing energy for later
use. Lipids are also found in hormones and cell membrane components.

Functions of lipids in living organisms:

• Source and storage of energy. As a result of larger hydrogen content of fats, a greater degree of
oxidation (removal of hydrogen) is required, thus more energy per molecule of fat is obtained
compared to carbohydrates. Lipids provide twice as much as energy per pound as carbohydrates.
• Essential part of cell structures such as cell membranes. Phospholipids are major building blocks
of the bi-lipid layer of cell membranes.
• An insulating material to prevent heat loss and protection against extreme cold. Aquatic animals
like whales have thick layer of fats beneath their skin which helps retain body temperature.
• Solvent for fat-soluble vitamins and hormones.
• Prevents water loss from skin surface. The thin layer of oil secreted by sebaceous glands in the
skin prevents the evaporation of water.

Fats are lipids composed of 1 molecule of glycerol (an alcohol containing 3 carbons) and 3 fatty
acid molecules. An ester bond connects the glycerol and the fatty acids.

There are
two types
of fatty
acids –
saturated
and
unsaturated. Saturated fatty acids are solid at room temperature. They are mostly found in
animals. Lard, margarine and butter are examples of saturated fatty acids. On the other hand,
unsaturated fatty acids occur in liquid state at room temperature. They are found most in plants.
Vegetable oil and corn oil are examples of unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fats are believed
to be healthier sources of fats compared to saturated forms.
• Phospholipids are important components of cell membranes. They are made up of 2 fatty acid
molecules and 1 phosphate group. The fatty acid components are hydrophobic while the
phosphate group is hydrophilic. As a result, they are responsible for the polar and non-polar
characteristic of cell membranes.
• Waxes are lipids which are important components for many organisms, such as the cuticle
covering the surfaces of leaves and stems of plants and protective coverings on the skin and fur
of some animals.
• Steroids are lipids with a carbon skeleton of 4 fused rings. Cholesterol, bile salts, sex hormones
and vitamin D are examples of steroids. Cholesterol adds strength to the plasma membrane of
animal cells and serves as a precursor of in the formation of other steroids. Our liver produces
cholesterol that we need. We can get additional cholesterol by consuming meat products, poultry,
eggs and dairy products. However, too much cholesterol is harmful to the body as it may be
deposited on the inner walls of arteries which may cause heart ailments.
• Triglycerides, also known as blood fats, circulate in our blood stream along with cholesterol. We
get triglycerides from the food such as meat and plant oil as well as our body makes its own. Just
like cholesterol, we need just the right amount of triglycerides because too much of it can increase
our risk of heart and blood vessel diseases.