Introduction to Chemistry of Lipids

2. Classification base on composition

I. Simple lipids: -  These are esters of fatty acids with different alcohols.

Fats and oils: - These are esters of fatty acids with glycerol.

Waxes: - Esters of fatty acids with high molecular weight monohydric alcohols

II. Complex lipids: - Esters of fatty acids and alcohols together with some other head

groups.

A. Phospholipids: - Esters of the above type containing phosphoric acid residue.

a) Glycerophospholipids: - The alcohol is glycerol

b) Sphingophospholipids: - The alcohol is sphingosine.

 

B. Glycolipids: - Lipids containing fatty acid, sphingosine and carbohydrate residues.

C. Others: - Include sulfolipids, amino lipids and lipoproteins, which are modified forms of lipids

III. Derived lipids: Include the hydrolytic products of the simple and complex lipids. Eg. Fatty acids, cholesterol etc.

The simplest naturally occurring lipids are triacylglycerols formed by esterification of fatty acids with glycerol. Biological membranes are made up of phospholipids, glycolipids and proteoglycans.

  Answer this**
Which of the following is used in the reaction called saponification?