Lipids

 Lipids are organic compounds containing C, H

and O.
 Some contain phosphorus and nitrogen.
 The ratio of H to O in 1 molecule of lipid is
higher than the ratio of H to O (2:1) in
carbohydrates
 Insoluble in H2O but soluble in organic
solvents such as alcohol, ether and chloroform.
 Types of lipids
 Fats and oils
 Waxes
 Phospholipids
 Steroids
 Fats and oils
 Also known as triglycerides
 A triglycerides is formed by ester linkage of 3
fatty acid molecules to 1 glycerol molecule.
 It also can be broken down into fatty acids and
glycerol by hydrolysis reactions.
 Fats often contain only saturated fatty acids
 Oils usually contain unsaturated fatty acids
 A

+
B

glycerol triglyceride
3 molecules of
fatty acids
+
A – condensation (-H2O) 3H2O
B – hydrolysis (+H2O)
water
 In a saturated fatty acid, the C atoms are bonded to
the max. no. of other atoms.
 Saturated fatty acid has only single bond & the
hydrocarbon chain is relatively straight.
 Ex. Butter~ solid at room temp.
 Unsaturated fats are fats containing unsaturated
fatty acids. It has 1/> = bonds (C=C) in the
hydrocarbon chain.
 Fatty acids with 1 = bond monounsaturated
fatty acids
 If with 2/> = bonds polyunsaturated fatty
acids
 Fats & oils function efficiently as energy
storage materials. ~ provide 38kJ per gram,
while carbohydrates can provide only 17kJ.
 Animal fats such as lard, butter and cream are
examples of saturated fats.
 Vegetable oils such as olive oil, corn oil and
sunflower oil are examples of unsaturated fats.
 Waxes
 Are found on the cuticles of the epidermis of
leaves, fruits and seeds of some plants.
 They are waterproof, thus preventing the entry
and evaporation of H2O.
 Sebum that is excreted from oil glands
contains wax that softens our skin.
 Phospholipids
 Important components in the formation of
plasma membranes.
 A phospholipids molecule is formed from
condensation of 1 glycerol molecule with 2
fatty acid molecules & a phosphate group
 Ex: lecithin
 Steroids
 A steroid molecule has a complex ring
structure.
 Steroids occur in plants and animals
 Ex: cholesterol, testosterone, oestrogen &
progesterone
Steroid Function

Cholesterol Strengthens the cell membrane at high

body temperatures

Testosterone Male reproductive hormone

Oestrogen, progesterone Female reproductive hormones

 ACTIVITY 1
Why do you think most animals have
long-term energy storage in the form of
fats rather than glycogen?

Excess carbohydrates is store in liver as glycogen.

When energy is needed, the glycogen will broken
down. Excess carbohydrates is converted into fats and
are store in adipose tissue under skin and
surroundings organs. Fats are the last source that
being broken down to get the energy. So, this explain
why most animals have long-term energy storage in
the form of fats.
 ACTIVITY 2
Why we are encouraged to consume more
unsaturated fats compared to saturated fats?

Unsaturated fats contain less cholesterol

compared to saturated fats. The excess intake of
saturated fats will increasing the risk to get
cardiovascular disease.
 ACTIVITY 3

Discuss activity 4.5 in Biology form 4

textbook, pg. 69. write your answer in
exercise book.