Lipids in simple words are nothing but fatty compounds which involves in performing a few functions in the body. They are part of the cell membrane and have the power to control what to let in and out of the cell. Fats biologically are compounds that are insoluble in water and help proteins in their function. They are also known as triglycerides (One molecule of glycerol and three fatty acids).
What are Lipids?
A lipid is a kind of organic molecule found in living things. The texture of the lipid would be either oily or waxy. If looking for the source of the lipids, then we could see it in algae, meat, butter, etc. Lipids are nothing but consist of long chains of Carbon and hydrogen molecules. The biological function of lipids is as “Lipid bilayers” which would be the base of many cell membranes. Lipid also acts as an energy reserve.
Types of Lipids
There are 2 types of Lipid-based on their structure complexity
Simple Lipids
- Fats: These are esters of fatty acids with glycerol.
- Oils are fats in the liquid state here.
- Waxes: Wax are esters of fatty acids with larger molecular weight monohydric alcohols.
Complex Lipids
- Phospholipids: These contain fatty acids, alcohol, and phosphates. They also include nitrogen-containing bases and other substituents.
- Glycolipids: These lipids contain fatty acids and sphingosine including carbohydrates.
- Other Lipids (Complex): Lipids like sulfolipids and amino lipids. Lipoproteins are also included here.
What are fats?
Fat usually refers to a mixture of any ester or fatty acids. This consists of triglycerides which act as the main components among vegetable oils, and fatty tissues in animals as well. Fat is one which is insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar solvents. Fat is one of the main macronutrients which is essential in the human diet.
Types of Fats
There are four main types of fats:
- Monounsaturated Fats: These are so-called ‘healthy fats ‘which helps to maintain good cholesterol level. Eg: – Almonds, peanut butter, hazelnuts, etc.
- Polyunsaturated Fats: This is also a healthy fat whose consumption maintains our body with proper cholesterol levels. They supply omega 3 and 6. Eg: -Sunflower oil, walnuts, pine nuts, etc.
- Saturated Fats: These are ‘non-healthy fats’ that increase the bad cholesterol level in our body. Eg: -Cream, ice cream, butter, burgers, etc.
- Trans Fats: These are ‘non-healthy fats’ that increase the bad cholesterol level in our body and in-take has to be limited. Eg:-Cakes, fried foods, pastries, biscuits, etc.
Similarities between Lipids and Fats
- Both Lipids and Fats are used as energy reserves in the body.
- Both are insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents.
- Lipids and fats are broken down with the help of enzymes called Lipases.
Differences between Lipid and Fats
Characterization |
Lipids |
Fats |
|
Solubility |
Lipids are soluble in organic solvents but not in polar solvents | Fat is soluble in non-polar solvents but not in polar solvents. |
|
Function |
Lipids also help in the absorption of vitamins from food | Fats help in insulating our bodies. |
|
Nature |
They are in form of both solids and liquids. | They have just solid form. |
|
Source |
Lipids are typically derived from plant sources such as olives, nuts, and seeds. | Fats are often derived from animal sources such as meat, dairy, and eggs. |
|
Composition |
They are a group of biomolecules | These are a type of Lipids. |
FAQs on Fats and Lipids
Question 1: Are Fats and Lipids similar?
Answer:
No, they are not synonyms, but lipid is a type of fat.
Question 2: Does fat provide energy?
Answer:
Yes, fat provide twice the energy compared to proteins and carbohydrates.
Question 3: Which amino alcohol does Glycolipid contain?
Answer:
It contains both Sphingosine and Iso-Sphingosine.
Question 4: When does blood cholesterol level increase?
Answer:
It increases with age and during pregnancy. Lipids and fats are important factors in our day-to-day life, hope this information on the same helps.