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Describe the role of Lipids in Living Organisms
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Describe the role of Lipids in Living Organisms Lipids are 'a large and varied group of organic compounds, (3) 'which are insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether.' (7). The molecules contain atoms of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. 'The ratio of hydrogen to oxygen atoms is always greater than 2:1.' (2) 'Triglycerides are fats and oils and are made when glycerol form condensation reactions with three fatty acids to produce ester bonds.' (2). At 20ºC fats are solids whereas oils are liquids. One of the major roles of lipids in organisms is the use of these fats as energy stores. 'Upon breakdown they yield 38 kJ/g of energy compared favourably with carbohydrates which yield 17 kJ/g,' (3) so they therefore store twice as much energy than carbohydrates. Animals store fat when hibernating and 'fat is also found below the dermis of the skin of...
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