Chapter 17, Problem 17.83AQAP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Lipids consists of various functional groups. We have to find the different components in the given lipids in the question.

Concept Introduction: Glycerol is a triol in which 3 –OH groups are attached to 3 adjacent carbons. It is one of the main constituents of lipids. The structure is:

Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains having carboxylic acid (-COOH) group at the terminal. Its structure is:

Phosphate groups are one of the most important components in various biomolecules like nucleic acids, lipids etc. Their formula is PO₄^3-

Amino alcohols contain both –OH and –NH₂ groups on the same hydrocarbon. They have different structures depending on the amine to be primary, secondary or tertiary. Its structure is:

Steroid nucleus: It is the group of four fused rings forming the framework or parent substance of the steroids. Its structure is:

Spinghosine is one of the main constituents in spingholipids of mammals. They have an amino alcohol group in a 18 C chain hydrocarbon along with a double bond. Its structure is:

To identify: The components a. glycerol b. fatty acids c. phosphate d. amino alcohol e. steroid nucleus f. spinghosine from the following lipids: a. estrogen b. cephalin c. wax d. triacylglycerol