INRODUCTION OF LIPIDS

Definition: Lipids are heterogeneous group of water-insoluble (hydrophobic) organic molecules

stored as triglycerides in adipose tissues.
They are major source of energy for body.
Introduction: The lipids are heterogeneous group of compounds, including fats, oils, steroids,
waxes, and related compounds that are related more by their physical than by their chemical
properties. They have the common property of being
 Relatively insoluble in water
 And soluble in non polar solvents such as ether and chloroform.

CLASSIFICATION OF LIPIDS
The lipids are classified into four types which as following:
 Simple lipids
 Compound lipids
 Derived lipids
 Miscellaneous
Simple lipids
Esters o f fatty acids with various alcohols
These are of two types as:
 Neutral Fats
 Waxes
Neutral Fats: These are triesters of fatty acids with glycerol.
Waxes : Waxes are triesters of fatty acids with higher mono-hydroxy aliphatic alcohols.
True Waxes: True waxes ate esters of higher fatty acids with Cetyl alcohol (C16H33OH) or
other higher straight chain alcohols.
Cholesterol esters: Cholesterol esters are esters of fatty acids with cholesterol.
Vitamin A and Vitamin D esters: Vitamin A and Vitamin D esters are palmitic or stearic acids
esters of Vit. A (Retional) and Vit. D respectively.

Compound lipids
Esters of fatty acids containing groups others than and in addition to an alcohol and fatty acids.
It is divided into different types as:
Phospholipids:
They are substituted fats containing in addition to fatty acid and glycerol, a phosphoric
acid residue a nitrogenous base and other substituents.
Examples:
Phosphatidyl choline (lecithin), Phosphatidyl serine, Plasmalogens Sphingomyelins.
Glycolipids:
Lipids containing carbohydrate moiety are called glycolipids.
 They contain a special alcohol called sphingosine or sphingol.
 Nitrogenous base in addition to fatty acids but does not contain phosphoric acid or
glycerol.
 These are of two types as :
 Cerebrosides
 Gangliosides
Sulpholipids:
Lipids characterized by possessing sulphate groups.
Amino lipids:
Proteo lipids
Lipoproteins:
Lipids as prosthetic group to proteins.

Derived lipids
Derived lipids are those lipids which are derived from simple and compound lipids during the
process of hydrolysis.
Derived lipids include:
 Cholesterol
 Steroids
 Eicosanoids
 Ketone Bodies
 Glycerol
 Vitamin (A,E,D,K)
Derived from following lipids or lipids like substances.
Carotenes:
In Plants: They function as photosynthetic pigments, as attractants for animals to
perform pollination.
In Animals: These are converted into vitamin A.
Steroids:
They are made up of six member rings (A, B, C) and one member ring (D).They does not
contain fatty acids.
Sterols:
They are also called steroid alcohols. Sterols are the nitrogenous derivatives of fatty
compounds presents in following forms:
a) Phytosterols
b) Zoosterol
c) Ergo sterols
Cholesterol:
They are found in all types of cells.
Prostaglandins:
It is also recognized as a wulxen anti-stiffness factor because it’s a kind of sterol of plant.
Miscellaneous lipids
These are the compounds which contain characteristics of lipids. It
includes:
 Squalene (formed during synthesis of cholesterol)
 Cortinoids
 Trepenes
 Hydrocarbons (contain C,H ,Petroleum ,Natural gas
Squalene:
An oily hydrocarbon which occur in shark liver oil and human sebum.
Cortinoids:
Steroid hormone formed by the adrenal cortex.
Trepenes:
Unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants oils and especial in conifers and citrus trees.

Functions of lipids including

 Lipids are important component of plasma membranes and regulate the membrane
permeability. Only allow lipid-soluble substances to paced out.
 Lipids are source of fat – soluble (vitamins like A, D,K, and E) that present in fatty food.
 Lipids are the source of energy when we take the food, so the high energy becomes in our
body. Then, triglycerides and fat cells store the energy for the later use .Fat cells store
the energy for 30 days almost. Glycogen also store the energy but not much and for long
time. But fat cells (lipids and carbohydrates) are the biggest source of energy.
 Lipids (Triglycerides) regulate the internal climate and maintain constant temperature.
Those who have deficiency of fat on their bodies are more likely to feel cold sooner,
fatigued, and pressure sores on their skin.
 Lipids (adipose tissues, fat) are responsible to regulate or produce the hormones.
Like adipose tissues produce the hormone
Leptin which regulate the Appetite.
In reproductive system, women who have deficiency of fat may become infertile
 Lipids (Bile acid ) aid in the digestion
 Lipids also provides insulation and protection , vital organs like heart, kidney and liver
cover with visceral fat which protect these organs and subcutaneous fat present in the
skin which provide insulation and protection of body.
 Lipids (cholesterol) which maintain the integrity and fluid compartment of membrance.
 Fatty Acids
Fatty acids (FA) are carboxylic acids with long aliphatic chains which may be straight or
branched, saturated or unsaturated. A fatty acid (FA) may be defined as an organic acid that
occurs in a natural triglyceride and is a mono-carboxylic acid ranging in chain length from C4 to
about 24 carbon atoms. FA is obtained from hydrolysis of fats.
Types of Fatty Acid
Straight chain Fatty Acids: These may be:
• Saturated Fatty Acids: Those which contain no double bonds.
• Unsaturated Fatty Acids Those which contain one or more double bonds.
(a) Saturated FA:-
Their general formula is CnH2n+1 COOH
Examples: • Acetic acid CH3COOH • Propionic acid C2H5COOH
Saturated fatty acids having 10 carbons or less number of carbon atoms are called as lower fatty
acids, e.g. acetic acid, butyric acid, etc.
Saturated fatty acids having more than 10 carbon atoms are called higher fatty acids, e.g.
Palmitic acid, stearic acid, etc. Milk contains significant amount of lower fatty acids.
(b) Unsaturated Fatty Acids:-
Classification
They are classified further according to degree of unsaturation.
(1) Mono unsaturated (Monoethenoid) fatty acids:-
They contain one double bond. Their general formula is Cn H2n–1 COOH.
Example: Oleic acid C17H33 COOH is found in nearly all fats.
(2) Polyunsaturated (Polyethenoid) fatty acids:-
There are three polyunsaturated fatty acids of biological importance.
• Linoleic acid series:-
It contains two double bonds between C9 and C10; and between C12 and C13. Their general
formula is CnH2n–3 COOH.
Dietary sources: Linoleic acid is present in sufficient amounts in peanut oil, corn oil, cottonseed
oil, and soybean oil and egg yolk.
• Linolenic acid series:-
It contains three double bonds between 9 and 10; 12 and 13; and 15 and 16. Their general
formula is CnH2n–5 COOH.
Dietary Source: Found frequently with linoleic acid, but particularly present in linseed oil,
rapeseed oil, soybean oil, fish viscera and liver oil (cod liver oil).
• Arachidonic acid series:-
It contains four double bonds. Their general formula is: CnH2n–7 COOH
Dietary source: Found in small quantities with linoleic acid and linolenic acid but particularly
found in peanut oil. Also found in animal fats including Liver fat.
Note: These three polyunsaturated fatty acids, viz. linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic
acid are called as “Essential fatty acids (EFA)”. They have to be provided in the diet, as they
cannot be synthesized in the body.
(c) Branched chain Fatty Acids:-
Odd and even carbon branched chain fatty acids occur in animal and plant lipids, e.g.
• Sebaceous glands: - Sebum contains branched chain FA.
• Branched chain Fatty Acid is present in certain foods, e.g. photonic acid in butter.
(d) Substituted fatty acids:-
In hydroxy fatty acid and methyl fatty acid, one or more of the hydrogen
atoms have been replaced by – OH group or – CH3 group respectively. Both saturated and
unsaturated hydroxy fatty acids, particularly with long chains, are found in nature, e.g. carbonic
acid of brain glycolipids, Ricin oleic acid in castor oil.

(e) Cyclic fatty acids:-

Fatty acids bearing cyclic groups are present in some seeds, e.g.
• Chaulmoogric acid obtained from chaulmoogra seeds,
• Hydnocarpic acid.
Both of them have been used earlier for long time for treatment of leprosy.

Natural Fats or Triglycerides

 Natural fats also known as triglycerides.
 It is type of lipid that is primary component of dietary fats and oils.
 “ Composed of 3 fatty acids attached to glycerol molecule”
Glycerol:
Glycerol is a trial or glycerin with 3 carbon atoms attached to hydroxyl group (OH).
Hydrophilic in nature.
Lipids are eaters of glycerol so called triglycerides.
Fatty acid Chain:
Long hydrocarbons chain with carbonyl group (-COOH) at one end and generally from 12
to 24 carbon in length.
Fatty acid chain may be saturated or unsaturated.
Fatty acid contains 1 double bond called monosaturated. Fatty acid contains multiple bonds
called Polysaturated.
Types of Triglycerides
Simple Triglycerides:
If fatty acids of same type join to 1 glycerol.
Mixed Triglycerides:
If fatty acids of different type join to 1 glycerol.

Role & Functions

Triglycerides have multiple functions:

 Energy Storage:
Main form of energy storage in body. Excess calories from the diet are converted
into triglycerides and stored in adipose tissue.
 Insulation& Protection:
When triglyceride stored in adipose tissue serves as insulation and protection to
regulate body temperature. E.g., Blubber under the skin of whole
 Hormone Regulation:
They serve as building block of certain hormones such as endocrine hormones
regulation.
 Nutrient Absorption:
Important role in absorption and transportation of fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K)
 Elevated level:
Elevated level of triglycerides in the blood can be a risk factor for various health
conditions including cardiovascular disease.