lipids, phospholipids, importance

LIPIDS

Q.        Define lipids?

Ans:    Lipids are a group of naturally occuring non-polar, water

insoluble and hydrophobic substances.

Q. What are main constituents of this group?

Ans:     This group includes fatty acids, naturally occuring fatty

acid products and many other allied natural products such as steroids, terpens and fat-soluble vitamins.

Q. What is the commercial importance of lipids?

Ans:    Commercially they are being used in manufacture of

soaps, detergents, grease & paints etc.

Q.        What is the principle component of lipids?

Ans:     The principle component associated with the lipid is the

fatty acid that contains even number (4-30) in straight chains and may be saturated or unsaturated.

Q. What are main classes of lipids?

Ans:    Lipids have been divided into three main classes.

(i)                 Simple lipids

(ii)               Compound lipids

 (iii)     Derived lipids.

Q. What is physical state of fatty acids?

Ans:     Acids with small chain length and high unsaturation are

liquids at room temperature.

Q. What is the importance of hydrogenation of fatty acids?

Ans:     Unsaturated fatty acids are hydrogenated by Pt, Pd, Ni

or Cu. With this process vegetable oil is converted into vegetable fat. (Ghee).

Q.        Define phospholipids?

Ans:    Phospholipids are the lipids which contain phosphorus

atoms. In addition glycerol, fatty acids and a nitrogen base are key compounds.

 

Q.        What are essential fatty acids?

Ans:     The fatty acids which are essential for sustaining life and

which cannot be synthesized by humans are called as essential fatty acids e.g., linoleic and linolenic acid.