Lipids
Lipids
a heterogeneous group of compounds
insoluble in water
soluble in organic solvents such as alcohols,
acetone, benzene, chloroform, carbon tetra chloride
and ether.
Lipids that are solid at room temperature are called
fats, those that are liquid at room temperature are
called oils.
classification of Lipids
1- Simple lipids: are esters of fatty acids
Simple lipid + H2O Fatty acids + alcohol
If the alcohol produced is glycerol then, the simple lipid
is called a fat.
classification of Lipids
2- Compound lipids: On hydrolysis they
yield some additional groups in addition to fatty
acids and alcohol e.g.: phospholipids and
glycolipids.
classification of Lipids
3- Derived lipids: These are compounds
derived from hydrolysis of simple and compound
lipids, such as the fatty acids, glycerol and other
alcohols, and steroids.
The most important
functions of lipids
Lipids serve as the main energy reserve for living
systems
form parts of cell membranes
regulate the activities of cells and tissues.
Tests for lipids
1- Grease stain test:
This is a general test given by all lipids and is
used in their identification. Fats, and oils have the
property of filling the meshes of filter paper
causing the paper to be more permeable to light,
and unwettable by water.
Tests for lipids
2- Iodine test:
Unsaturated fatty acids can add halogens (Iodine)
at the double bonds to form halogenated
derivatives, while saturated fatty acids cannot. Oils
contain a higher percent of unsaturated fatty acids
than solid fats, so oils can react with more iodine
Tests for lipids
3- Reaction test:
This test can be used to differentiate
triacylglycerol (triglycerides, TG) from fatty acids.
TG are chemically neutral while fatty acids are
acidic due to their free carboxylic group and can
decolorize the alkaline red color of
phenolphthalein.
Tests for lipids
4- Copper acetate test:
This test is used to differentiate between TG, saturated
fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acid. Neutral TG do not
react with a solution of copper acetate(5%), however,
saturated fatty acids give rise to blue or green precipitate
in the water layer, and unsaturated fatty acids give copper
salts that are green in color, soluble petroleum ether.
Tests for lipids
5- Tests for cholesterol: Cholesterol is a
constituent of all animal Cells. It is a colorless
substance.
A-Salkowski test
B-Liebermann-Burchard test: This test is commonly
used in the estimation of blood cholesterol as it is
very delicate.
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