Learning outcomes: (a) Describe the structures, properties and distribution of triglycerides (b) State the functions of triglycerides,

phospholipids and steroids (c) Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids

Organic compounds, contain a high proportion of CH2- (hydrocarbon) groups. Some lipids may contain P and N. Hydrophobic organic compounds, insoluble in water but dissolve in organic solvents / non-polar organic solvents such as acetone, benzene and petroleum ether. They are esters formed from fatty acid and alcohol. 3 main groups : triglycerides, phospholipids and steroids.

Condensation of one molecule of glycerol and 3 molecules of fatty acid to form an ester. This formation is known as esterification. Saturated fatty acid (eg. Stearic acid, C17H35COOH) : a fatty acid with its hydrocarbon chain having the maximum number of hydrogen atoms bound to it.

 Glycerol

three carbon skeleton hydroxyl group attached to each.

A fatty acid a carboxyl group attached to a long carbon skeleton, 16 to 18 carbons long.

Many nonpolar C-H bonds in the long hydrocarbon skeleton make fats hydrophobic. In a fat,
three fatty acids are joined to glycerol by an ester linkage creating a triglyceride

Saturated fatty acid

single C C bonds

Unsaturated fatty acid

one or more double - C = C - bonds monounsaturated ( a double bond) or polyunsaturated (two or more double bonds) Less H : C ratio usually liquid at room temperature Easier to metabolise is called oil Found more in plants example : Oleic acid, C17H33COOH, Palmitic acid, C15H31COOH

More H : C ratio usually solid at room temperature Less reactive is called fat Found more in animals example : Stearic acid, C17H35COOH

Essential fatty acid Example : linoleic acid, linolenic acid & arachidonic acid. unsaturated fatty acids Necessary for the formation of phospholipids cannot be synthesised by our body, must be obtained from daily diet.

Non-essential fatty acid our body is able to syhthesise during metabolic activities involving carbohydrates and proteins not necessary to obtain through our diet

Act as energy sources Act as insulator. Animals store extra fat below the dermis of the skin to keep their bodies from cold Act as energy reserves in the adipose tissue of animals and seeds of many plants Can be used for the formation of other chemicals including glucose and amino acids Protect organs such as the kidney from physical damage Make animals and plants waterproof

A derivative of triglyceride. One molecule of fatty acid chains is replaced by phosphoric acid becomes hydrophilic because phosphate is a charged ion (hydrophilic head). Another 2 hydrocarbon chains still remain hydrophobic (hydrophobic tail) Hence, phospholipid is said to be amphipathic. Example : lecithin (phosphotidylcholine) has a +ve charged choline group bound to the phosphate group. An important component of the cell membrane and membrane of organelles.

 The interaction of phospholipids with water is complex. The fatty acid tails are hydrophobic. The phosphate group and its attachments form a hydrophilic head.

When phospholipids are added to water,

self-assemble into aggregates with the hydrophobic tails pointing toward the center and the hydrophilic heads on the outside.

This type of structure is called a micelle.

At the surface of a cell , phospholipids are arranged as a bilayer. Again, the hydrophilic heads are on the outside in contact with the aqueous solution and the hydrophobic tails from the core. The phospholipid bilayer forms a barrier between the cell and the external environment. They are the major component of membranes.

Main component and forms the basic structure of the membrane with hydrophilic heads facing outside, hydrophobic tails opposite each other. forms the bimolecular layer in the membrane. The phospholipid molecules in the membrane are dynamic which means each of the molecules can move freely or they are fluid-like. Ensure the stability in the membrane. Permits small molecule to diffuse easily across the membrane. Acts as a barrier for polar molecules and ions to cross the membrane.

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Lipids that are made of four fused hydrocarbon rings. There are 17 carbon atoms within the molecule. The differences in the side chains give rise to different types of steroid. Steroids are found in both plants and animals. Example : cholesterol, testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone, adrenocortical hormones, calciferol and bile salts. Not soluble in water as they are hydrophobic. Soluble in organic solvents such as petroleum ether & acetone.

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Sex hormones like testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone for maintaining sexual health. steroid hormones from adrenal cortex, for example, corticoids are required for glucose and mineral metabolism. Synthesis of membrane structure as such it is for the general well being of the skin cells and body. Steroid such as bile salts, emulsify lipids in our food in the small intestine. Steroids form vitamin D in the skin is needed for the metabolism of calcium and phosphate.

As an energy source For energy storage Provides structural support As heat and electrical insulator To protect internal organs As a waterproof substance As a precursor of other steroids