IMMACULATE CONCEPTION COLLEGE – ALBAY

Daraga, Albay
MC2 (BIOCHEMISTRY)
1st Semester (Finals)
A.Y.: 2022-2023
Module: LIPIDS: ITS COMPOSITION AND METABOLISM
Name: Francine Dominique M. Collantes Course & Year: BSN – 1 Date: December 19, 2022

A. PRELIMINARY ACTIVITY
Look for the 10 words related to this topic inside the box. Draw a line or highlight the words that you
have found. (10 points)
W G A T H L G U S T T D F S C
P H S A D M L A A R Z N T N H
L K B A U G Y D T I T E N K O
V I G D A R C P U A T A Y L L
Z O P I L E E F R C A D R E E
U W S I I Y R S A Y D M O D S
P A C V D Y O C T L E U C C T
E X S N A S L J E G L R I F E
H E T K W A X R D L E C A L R
Y S H M S G E K P Y P T D I O
G L Z A R I A P G C S N U M L
F A T T Y A C I D E W Q F D G
F G U W Y A K C S R P R K W S
U S T E R I O D S O Q T X P E
P A P H O S P H O L I P I D E

B. ACTIVITIES
1. What are the 3 major groups/types of lipids; and what are their main functions? List the three
groups of lipids.
Major Groups/Types of Lipids Main Functions of Each Type of Lipids
a) Long straight fatty acids with single
bonds tend to get packed tightly and are
solid at room temperature. Mammals
store fats in specialized cells called
1) Fats (Triacylglycerols / Triglycerides) adipocytes, where globules of fat
occupy most of the cell’s volume. In
plants, oil is stored in many seeds and is
used as a source of energy during
seedling development.

b) Phospholipids create a protective layer

2) Phospholipids
around the cells.

c) Cholesterol is used in the body as a

precursor in the synthesis of a few
3) Steroids
important substances, including vitamin
D, bile, and sex hormones.
2. Lipids are not polymers, but they are organic macromolecules. The three main types vary in chemical
structure. But what common characteristics do all lipids have that result in placing these three diverse
groups of molecules in the same class of Organic Molecules (i.e., Lipids)?
➢ Lipids are hydrophobic, or water-fearing, or they can be insoluble in water because they are
nonpolar molecules. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include only nonpolar carbon-
carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Lipids can be used as a form of energy storage in the cell
membrane, as well as in vitamins and hormones.

3. What causes fatty acids to be saturated and unsaturated?

➢ The cause of fatty acids being saturated is when they have no double bonds because no more
hydrogen may be added to the carbon atoms of the chain, while unsaturated fatty acids cause
double bonds. Unsaturated fats are of plant origin and contain cis-unsaturated fatty acids. Cis
and trans indicate the configuration of the molecule around the double bond. If hydrogens are
present in the same plane, it is referred to as a "cis" fat; if the hydrogen atoms are on two different
planes, it is referred to as a "trans" fat.

4. What does it mean that lipids are nonpolar and how does this affect their relationship with water?
➢ Lipids are known to have hydrophobic molecules that repel them from water; this is the reason
why they are non-polar, and this affects their relationship with water.

5-8. Write the kind of lipid shown. For oils, specify saturated and unsaturated fats.
5. triacylglycerols 6. saturated fats 7. waxes

Bottles of Vegetable Oil

8. Is butter a saturated or unsaturated fat? Is margarine a saturated or unsaturated fat? Which is

better for your diet/health and why?
➢ Butter is a saturated fat, while margarine is an unsaturated one. Butter contains a lot of saturated
fats, and margarine contains an unhealthy combination of saturated and trans fats, so the
healthiest choice is to skip both and use liquid oils instead. But if you prefer margarine over butter,
then make sure to choose trans-fat-free brands and select products made with healthy oils. If
butter is your favorite, consider buying products made from grass-fed cow’s milk. Whatever you
choose, consume these products in moderation.
9. Label the parts of a Phospholipid in the boxes provided: Two fatty acid chains, glycerol, phosphate
group and choline. Identify which part of the molecule is polar (hydrophilic) and which part is
nonpolar (hydrophobic).

phosphate
polar (hydrophilic)

choline
nonpolar
(hydrophobic)

glycerol
two fatty acid chains

10. Circle the parts of the molecule that need to combine through dehydration synthesis to form
a saturated fat. Label which are fatty acids and which is glycerol.

fatty acids
glycerol
C. ASSESMENT
I. Using your own words based from your understanding, give the general characteristics of each
type of lipid.
a. fats and oils – Fats and oils are made up of units known as "triglycerides," which are formed
by the mixture of both fatty acids and glycerol.
b. waxes – Waxes are naturally hydrophobic, which is a feature of a substance that repels water.
This indicates a lack of attraction for water, with a tendency to resist or not absorb it. Long fatty
acids are esterified with lengthy alcohols to form them.
c. steroids – Steroids have a fused-ring form as compared to phospholipids and fats. They are
classified with the other lipids despite not resembling them because they are also repellent and
water-insoluble.
d. phospholipids – Phospholipids are the primary components of the cell membrane and are made
up of fatty acid chains connected to a glycerol or sphingosine backbone.
e. glycerophospholipids – Glycerophospholipids are amphipathic, with glycerol and phosphate
forming the polar side and hydrocarbon chains forming the nonpolar end.
f. sphingolipids – Sphingolipids are a type of lipid that is commonly found in the membranes that
surround cells. They are composed of an 18-carbon amine alcohol called sphingosine and, to a
lesser extent, a 20-carbon counterpart called phytosphingosine.

II. Cite the different importance of lipids in our body.

 The surplus energy from our food is processed and absorbed into fatty tissue. As a result, the
stored energy in muscles pushes and keeps all the body's working parts running smoothly.
 Triacylglycerols regulate the body's internal climate by keeping it at a consistent temperature.
Those who do not have enough fat in their bodies feel cold faster, are more tired, and develop
pressure sores on their skin as a result of fatty acid deficiency. Triacylglycerols also aid in the
production and regulation of hormones in the body. Fatty acids are essential for reproductive
health; women who do not get enough may stop menstruation and become infertile.
 Our bodies' lipids serve as insulation and protection for our vital organs, such as the heart,
kidneys, and liver.
 Dietary fats in our meals disintegrate in our digestive tracts, allowing essential micronutrients to
be transported. Carrying fat-soluble nutrients through the digestive process enhanced intestinal
absorption.
 Lipids play an important part in our diet as a high energy source. Fat-rich foods have a high
caloric density. Fat-rich foods have more calories than protein- or carbohydrate-rich ones.
 Fat includes dissolved chemicals that add to mouthwatering smell and tastes while also increasing
food intake. Fat gives food texture and nourishment. It also helps with satiety, or the sensation
of being full.

III. Explain the importance of fatty acid synthesis.

➢ The synthesis of fatty acids is an anabolic pathway that occurs in the cytosol under fed conditions.
The metabolic processes are taking place in cells, including the breakdown of carbohydrates for
energy, result in the production of a two-carbon molecular fragment called an acetyl group.
Fatty acids are important components of the human body and have multiple functions in both
health and diseases. Different lipids are synthesized by our body, based on the functional area,
and are produced by lipogenic tissues in the presence of cytosol. The human body can synthesize
most of the required fatty acids directly from precursors except for some essential fatty acids.

IV. Give 6 metabolic disorders of lipids. Describe each disorder, identify the symptoms, diagnosis,
and suggested treatment for each disorder.
1) Tay-Sachs Disease (TSD)
o Description: Tay-Sachs Disease is a rare inherited condition that mainly affects babies and
young children. It stops the nerves working properly and is usually fatal. It used to be most
 common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent (most Jewish people in the UK), but many
cases now occur in people from other ethnic backgrounds.
o Symptoms: being overly startled by noises and movement; being very slow to reach
milestones like learning to crawl, and losing skills they have already learnt; floppiness and
weakness, which keeps getting worse until they're unable to move (paralysis); difficulty
swallowing; loss of vision or hearing; muscle stiffness; seizures
o Diagnosis: May be confirmed by a thorough clinical evaluation and specialized tests such as
blood tests that measure the enzyme activity levels of hexosaminidase A.
o Suggested Treatment: Currently, there is no cure for Tay-Sachs disease.

2) Hypertriglyceridemia
o Description: Hypertriglyceridemia means having too much triglycerides (fats) in the blood.
This raises the risk of atherosclerosis and other heart-related diseases.
o Symptoms: Most people with hypertriglyceridemia have no symptoms. But with the people
with severe hyperglyceridemia may develop xanthomas. Xanthomas are skin bumps that
form when lipids build up under the skin. These xanthomas usually appear around the
eyelids, but they may also appear on the knees, elbows, or hand palms.
o Diagnosis: Healthcare providers diagnose hypertriglyceridemia through a physical
examination and common blood test called a lipid panel.
o Suggested Treatment: Hypertriglyceridemia treatment includes lifestyle changes,
medications, and managing underlying causes of high triglycerides.

3) Hyperlipidemia
o Description: Hyperlipidemia, also known as dyslipidemia or high cholesterol, means you
have too many lipids (fats) in your blood.
o Symptoms: It still a normal feeling when having a high cholesterol on early because it doesn’t
give any symptoms. However, a plaque that is made of cholesterol and fats buildup can
slow down or stop blood flow to the heart or brain later.
o Diagnosis: A simple blood test that checks for LDL, HDL, and triglycerides will reveal whether
the levels are high, low, or in a healthy range. These numbers can change from year to
year, so getting annual blood work is a good idea. If taking medications for dyslipidemia,
the doctor may want to have more frequent blood tests.
o Suggested Treatment: Some people can just change their lifestyles to improve their
cholesterol numbers. For other people, that’s not enough and they need medications. The
most used medication to treat dyslipidemia is a statin. Statins help reduce LDL levels by
interfering with cholesterol production in the liver.

4) Gaucher Disease
o Description: Gaucher disease is an inherited condition. It is a lysosomal storage disorder, a
type of disease that causes fatty substances to build up in the bone marrow, liver, and
spleen.
o Symptoms: Symptoms of Gaucher disease vary from person to person. Some people with
Gaucher disease have mild symptoms or none. In other people, symptoms can lead to serious
health problems and death. Signs of all three forms of Gaucher disease include problems
affecting the organs, blood, bones, brain, and brain stem.
o Diagnosis: Healthcare providers diagnose Gaucher disease using a blood test that checks
for enzyme levels. To determine if there is a carrier for Gaucher disease, the provider does
a DNA test using saliva or blood. Gaucher disease carriers don’t have any symptoms, but
they can pass the disease to their children. If the carrier and considering having children,
the provider will refer to a genetic counselor so can decide on a plan for the family.
o Suggested Treatment: Gaucher disease type 1 is treatable with regular therapy. Treatments
either increase enzyme levels or decrease the fatty substance that builds up in the body in
 Gaucher disease. There is no treatment for the neurological damage from Gaucher disease
types 2 and 3. Treatment for Gaucher disease type 1 includes enzyme replacement therapy
(ERT) and substrate reduction therapy (SRT).

5) Niemann-Pick Disease (NP)

o Description: Niemann-Pick disease (NP) refers to a group of inherited metabolic disorders
known as lipid storage diseases. Harmful quantities of lipids accumulate in the brain, spleen,
liver, lungs, and bone marrow.
o Symptoms: Niemann-Pick signs and symptoms may include clumsiness and difficulty in
walking; excessive muscle contractions (dystonia) or eye movements; sleep disturbances;
having difficulty in swallowing and eating; and recurrent pneumonia.
o Diagnosis: The diagnosis of Niemann-Pick disease begins with a thorough physical exam,
which can show an early warning sign such as an enlarged liver or spleen. Your doctor will
also take a detailed medical history and discuss symptoms and family health history. This
disease is rare, and its symptoms can be confused with other diseases. Diagnostic techniques
depend on the type of Niemann-Pick disease.
o Suggested Treatment: There is no cure exists for Niemann-Pick disease. No effective
treatment is available to people with type A or B. But for the people with mild to moderate
type C, a drug called miglustat (Zavesca) may be an option. Physical therapy is an
important part of treatment to help maintain mobility, if possible. People with Niemann-Pick
disease need to see their doctors regularly, because the disease progresses and symptoms
worsen.

6) Fabry Disease
o Description: Fabry disease (also called alpha-galactosidase-A deficiency) is caused by the
lack of or faulty enzyme needed to metabolize lipids, fat-like substances that include oils,
waxes, and fatty acids.
o Symptoms: The symptoms of Fabry disease includes numbness, tingling, burning or pain in
the hands or feet; extreme pain during physical activity; heat or cold intolerance; abnormal
opacity of the eye (cornea); dizziness; flu-like symptoms (including fatigue, fever and body
aches); gastrointestinal problems; hearing loss or ringing in ears (tinnitus); high levels of
protein in urine (proteinuria); raised red or purplish skin lesions (angiokeratoma) on your
chest, back, and in the genital area; sweating less (hypohidrosis) or not at all (anhidrosis);
and welling (edema) in the legs, ankles, or feet.
o Diagnosis: Because Fabry disease is rare and can cause so many different symptoms, it can
go undiagnosed for many years. To diagnose Fabry disease, the doctor will need to refer
for a blood test, and sometimes a genetic test, which will look at the DNA. these tests can
get through GP or a specialist Fabry Clinic. Because this disease is usually inherited, if
someone else in family has been diagnosed, it's important that other family members get
tested too. If the partner has Fabry disease and are planning to have a baby, it's a good
idea to have genetic counselling. If pregnant, choose to have a prenatal test to find out if
the baby is carrying the disease.
o Suggested Treatment: There isn’t a cure for Fabry disease. Medications for pain and stomach
problems can ease symptoms. There are two treatments that may slow down the build-up of
the fatty substances with the goal to prevent heart problems, kidney disease and other life-
threatening complications; the enzyme replacement therapy and oral chaperone therapy.