Chapter 23.3, Problem 14SSC

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

Important functions of triglycerides should be listed.

Concept introduction:

The molecules which contain hydrocarbons and not soluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents is known as a lipid.

Lipids are classified as:

Triglycerides, Phospholipids and, Steroids and Waxes

The type of lipid found in our blood is known as triglycerides. Triglyceride is obtained by the three glycerol molecules and three fatty acids.

Explanation of Solution

Fatty acids consist of carboxylic acids with a long aliphatic chain which can be saturated or unsaturated. Generally, fatty acids exist as phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesteryl esters. These are important structural components for cells.

In the structure of triglyceride, three glycerol molecules and three fatty acids are linked with each other by ester bonds.

The structure of triglyceride is:

Where, R^’ = alkyl group, etc.

The important functions of triglycerides are:

1. Triglycerides provide energy to the body.
2. Triglycerides are known to be the primary form of energy storage in the body.
3. Triglycerides provide insulation that is thermal insulation. and protection to the body acting as fluid cushions.
4. Triglycerides provide energy to the body.
5. Triglycerides also act as transport for fat-soluble vitamins.

Thus, an important function of triglycerides is to be the primary form of energy storage in the body. They store the energy which is obtained by the breakdown of food and the energy is further used for various processes,

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

Important functions of phospholipids should be listed.

Concept introduction:

The molecules which contain hydrocarbons and not soluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents is known as a lipid.

Lipids are classified as:

Triglycerides, Phospholipids and, Steroids and Waxes

The type of lipid found in our blood is known as triglycerides. Triglyceride is obtained by the three glycerol molecules and three fatty acids.

Explanation of Solution

Fatty acids consist of a carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain which can be saturated or unsaturated. Generally, fatty acids exist as phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesteryl esters. These are important structural components for cells.

The general structure of phospholipids contains a glycerol molecule(s), phosphate group and two fatty acids. These are known as complex lipids.

The important functions of phospholipids are:

1. Phospholipids help in the formation of structural components of membranes and regulation of membrane permeability in association with proteins implies phospholipids help in the formation of cell membranes.
2. Phospholipids maintain conformation in mitochondria of components of the electron transport chain.
3. Phospholipids act as a transporter which helps in the transport of lipids in the blood.
4. Phospholipids plays important role in the synthesis of different lipoproteins.

Thus, an important function of Phospholipids is formation of cell membrane

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

Important functions of waxes should be listed.

Concept introduction:

The molecules which contain hydrocarbons and not soluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents is known as a lipid.

Lipids are classified as:

Triglycerides, Phospholipids and, Steroids and Waxes

The type of lipid found in our blood is known as triglycerides. Triglyceride is obtained by the three glycerol molecules and three fatty acids.

Explanation of Solution

Fatty acids consist of a carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain which can be saturated or unsaturated. Generally, fatty acids exist as phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesteryl esters. These are important structural components for cells.

A simple lipid consists of an ester of long-chain alcohol and fatty acid is known as wax. The alcohol present in a wax consists of 12-32 carbon atoms. The reaction between an alcohol and fatty acid results in the formation of wax having an ester bond.

An important function of wax is:

Wax provides a protective coating to the plants to control hydration, evaporation or to prevent them from drying. It is known as a water repellent. Waxes maintain animal skin and plants by forming a protective covering. In the case of plants, it prevents the loss of water.

Interpretation Introduction

(d)

Interpretation:

Important functions of steroids should be listed.

Concept introduction:

The molecules which contain hydrocarbons and not soluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents is known as a lipid.

Lipids are classified as:

Triglycerides, Phospholipids and, Steroids and Waxes

The type of lipid found in our blood is known as triglycerides. Triglyceride is obtained by the three glycerol molecules and three fatty acids.

Explanation of Solution

Fatty acids consist of carboxylic acids with a long aliphatic chain which can be saturated or unsaturated. Generally, fatty acids exist as phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesteryl esters. These are important structural components for cells.

The general structure of steroid contains 17 carbon atoms which are linked with each other in four fused rings, three rings contains six carbon atoms that are cyclohexane rings and one is a five-membered ring that is cyclopentane.

Important functions of steroids are:

• Steroids are the components of cell membranes that maintain the fluidity in the cell membrane. For example, Cholesterol decreases the fluidity of the membrane.
• Steroids also store energy like lipids.
• Steroids act as a hormone in the body.

An important function of Steroids is to maintain or control the activity of cell.