Occurrence and importance
    • The word lipid is derived from the Greek word 'lipos' meaning fat. Lipids are chemically heterogenous group of compounds that are insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar solvents such as chloroform. Lipids occur in plants and animals as storage and structural components. Structural lipids present in animals and plants are in the form of meat and vegetables respectively.

    • Storage fats occur in milk and adipose tissue of farm animals and in seed oils. Fats supply over twice as much energy per unit weight as proteins or carbohydrates. Lipids are anhydrous due to non-polar nature and represent more energy than carbohydrates which are heavily hydrated due to polar nature. The presence of lipids in diet contributes considerably to palatability. Lipids contribute palatability in two ways. They induce olfactory responses, namely, taste in the mouth and aroma through nose. Secondly, they contribute to the texture of food and is responsible for the mouth-feel. Lipids also supply the essential fatty acids which are not synthesised in human beings but are essential for growth.

    • Lipids are essential for the effective absorption of fatsoluble vitamins A, D, E and K from intestine. Many enzymes require lipid molecules for maximal activity. Examples are microsomal enzyme, glucose 6-phosphatase and mitochondrial enzyme, β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. Adrenal corticosteroids, sex hormones and vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) are synthesized from lipid derivative- cholesterol.Much of the lipid of mammals is located subcutaneously and acts as insulation against excessive heat loss to the environment. The subcutaneous lipid deposits also insulate the important organs against mechanical traum

Last modified: Tuesday, 27 March 2012, 7:06 PM