CHARACTERISTICS, FUNCTIONS AND CLASSIFICATIONS

OF LIPIDS

A Module
Presented to
The Faculty of the Department of Physical Sciences
Philippine Normal University

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree
In Biochemistry

By
Stemarie Cris D. Gatus
2005
Description

This module, which is designed for teachers who are teaching third year high

school students, aims to achieve optimum learning about one of the major biomolecules,

lipids. It is divided into two related lessons. The first lesson will tackle the definition and

characteristics of lipids as well as its functions and significance. The second lesson is all

about the classification of lipids according to their forms and the corresponding examples

of each type and the importance of lipids. Each lesson will take eighty minutes to conduct

and its compromises the class routines, review of past lessons, lesson proper and

evaluation of the topic.

Introduction

This module is made up of two exciting lessons, both discussing lipids. You will

find yourself enticed to read and perform the activities of this module that will greatly

help you understand everything about lipids. As you go on with the lessons, you will also

gain some good ideas on how to teach this topic to third year high school students. The

writer of this module is very confident that it will be worth of your time to study and read

this module for you will surely enjoy and learn lots of new things about lipids.

At the end of the two lessons, the learners should be able to:

1. describe the characteristics of lipids,

2. state its functions and significance,

3. name the different classes of lipids, and

4. give examples of each kind.

The teacher should have the following in order to conduct the lessons in this

module:

1. Any biochemistry or chemistry book as reference,

2. Chalk, blackboard and eraser, and

3. Visual aids specified.

The teacher should conduct normal classroom management. This includes the

class routines, review of past lessons, lesson proper and evaluation of the topic. Desired

values such as patience, perseverance, teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, respect,

honesty and eagerness to learn should be developed among the students.

Results and Discussions

FIRST LESSON

Introduction

The first lesson is dedicated in discussing the definition and characteristics of

lipids. Its functions and significance will follow. This eighty-minute lesson compromises

the class routines, review of past lessons, lesson proper and evaluation of the topic. The

body of the lesson has two activities to stimulate the students in attaining the objectives.

Desired values such as patience, perseverance, teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship,

respect, honesty and eagerness to learn should be developed among the students.
Key Ideas

Lipids – are hydrophobic biomolecules which are insoluble to water but soluble

to organic solvents.

Functions as:

1. storage of metabolic fuel

2. structural component of cell membrane

3. carriers of lipid – soluble vitamins

4. body insulation

Specific Objectives

At the end of lesson, the learners should be able to answer the following questions

1. What are lipids?

2. What are the characteristics of lipids?

3. What are the compositions of lipids?

4. What are the functions of lipids?

Body

Lipids came from the Greek word lipos, which means fat. They are a diverse

group of biomolecules that exist in varied forms and are found in all living things. All

lipids are relatively insoluble to water or hydrophobic (hydro means water, phobic means

fear) but soluble to organic solvents such as ether, benzene and chloroform. Like

carbohydrates, lipids are composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The

hydrogen to oxygen ratio is greater than 2:1. The larger hydrogen content of fats
therefore allows a greater degree of oxidation (removal of hydrogen) hence fats have

more energy per molecule than carbohydrates.

Lipids are important to living things. They perform various roles in the body,

some of which are the following:

1. They serve provide twice as many calories per pound as carbohydrates so they

are the main source of metabolic fuel in the body.

2. They serve as a constituent of the cell membrane of a living cell.

3. They serve as a means of transportation of fat-soluble vitamins in the blood.

4. They act as insulators by protecting animals from extreme cold.

Trivia

 Did you know that mammals in cold regions like reindeers, polar bears

and Siberian tigers secrete a specific enzyme in their bloodstream that introduces

double bonds into their body fats to keep it from solidifying? The enzyme converts

saturated body fats; fats that solidify easily and are single-bonded, into unsaturated

body fats; fats that are almost always in liquid form and are double-bonded making

them survive the extreme conditions of their habitats.

 Did you know that in the Middle Ages, people boiled animal fat or

olive oil in water with ashes from wood or seaweed, and made into soaps. These

ashes contain sodium and potassium bases.

Activity # 1: MIX-AND-MATCH

The class should be divided into four groups. Each group must be given sets of

cartolinas containing the following words: LIPIDS, HYDROPHOBIC,

BIOMOLECULES, EXIST, VARIED, FORMS, INSOLUBLE, WATER, FOUND,

LIVING, and THINGS. The words spell out the definition of lipids. Each group must

supply the necessary articles, linking verbs and prepositions to complete the statement.

They will have their own unique definitions of lipids after this activity. The group who

will finish first will win the game.

Activity # 2: LIPID CHARADE

The class should be divided into two groups. As the title of the game implies, the

students will let each group to act out the words or phrases assigned to them. The words

are describing the functions of lipids: STORAGE, STRUCTURE, CARRIER and

INSULATION. They must guess the correct words to be able to win a point.

Summary

1. Lipids are hydrophobic biomolecules that are insoluble to water but soluble to

organic solvents.

2. Lipids are composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.

4. Lipids are important to living things. They perform various roles in the body.
Evaluation

1. Clearly define the following terms:

a. Lipids

b. Hydrophobic

c. Insoluble

d. Metabolic Fuel

e. Vitamins

f. Insulator

2. In essay form, discuss the functions of lipids.

Summary of Activities

Key Ideas Activities Time Allotted

Classroom Management
Classroom Routine and Checking of 10 minutes
Attendance

Definition of Lipids Mix – and - Match 15 minutes

Functions of Lipids Lipid Charade 15 minutes

Lesson Proper Classroom Discussions 25 minutes

Evaluation Quiz 15 minutes

Total 80 minutes
 SECOND LESSON

Introduction

Lipids naturally occurring substances that dissolve in organic carbons but not in

water. They perform a stunning array of functions in living things. Molecules such as fats

and oils, phospholipids, steroids and carotenoids, which differ widely both in structure

and function, are all considered lipids.

In this lesson, the structure and function of each major type of lipid will be

discussed. Certain activities could also be performed by the students to be able to fully

understand the different classes of lipids. Lipids maybe be classifies in many different

ways. For this lesson, lipids can be subdivided into the following classes:

1. Fatty acids

2. Phospholipids

3. Sphingolipids

4. Waxes

5. Terpenes

6. Steroids

Desired values such as patience, perseverance, teamwork, cooperation,

sportsmanship, respect, honesty and eagerness to learn should be developed among the

students.
Key Ideas

Fatty Acids – could be saturated or unsaturated.

Phospholipids – important components of the plasma membrane as well as of

other biological membranes.

Sphingolipids – found in the brain, lungs and nerve tissues.

Waxes – composed of fatty acids but are combined with a much longer alcohol

molecule.

Terpenes – does not contain fatty acids but are insoluble in water does not

contain fatty acids but are insoluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents.

Steroids - does not contain fatty acids but are insoluble in water does not contain

fatty acids but are insoluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents.

Specific Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the learners should be able to answer the following

questions:

1. What are the different kinds of lipids?

2. What are the functions of each kind?

3. These lipids are found in what foods?

Lipids occur in many forms:

1. Fatty Acids

Some common sources of fatty acids are nuts, meat and milk. They maybe

liquid (e.g. oils) or solid (e.g. lard, butter, margarine). Fatty acids may be

saturated or unsaturated. Saturated forms are solid at ordinary conditions.

Common examples are margarine and animal fats. Unsaturated fatty acids

exist as liquid at ordinary conditions. Examples are vegetable oil and corn oil.

Unsaturated fatty acids are believed to be better for your health than saturated

ones.

2. Phospholipids

Phospholipids are important components of the plasma membrane as well as

of other biological membranes. Best known phospholipids are the lecithins

and cephalins. Lecithin is found in egg yolk, brain, yeast and liver. It acts as

an emulsifying agent: it breaks fat into smaller molecules so that it can be

dissolved more easily. Cephalin is found in brain tissues.

3. Sphingolipids

Sphingolipids are found in the brain, lungs and nerve tissues. A common

example is sphingomyelin, which helps maintain the right shape of the lungs

of the fetus. It also reduces the tension of the water that deforms the walls of

the lungs area. This sphingolipid is present until the 35th week of development

of the fetus, after which a phospholipids replaces the sphingomyelin as

surfactant. A surfactant is a substance that helps reduce tension on the lungs,

lecithin).

4. Waxes

Waxes are likewise composed of fatty acids but are combined with a much

longer alcohol molecule. Waxes are used as lubricants, polishers and

ointments. They also serve to protect the surfaces of some leaves such as the

gabi leaf.

5. Terpenes

Terpenes does not contain fatty acids but are insoluble in water does not

contain fatty acids but are insoluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents.

They came from a compound known as isoprene. The aroma of some plants is

due to terpenes. Mint oil has menthol, which is a terpene. Other examples of

chlorophyll which is the main pigment in plants that contributes to their green

color. Carotene which is an orange pigment also found in some plants.

Vitamins A, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins.

6. Steroids

Like terpenes, steroids does not contain fatty acids but are insoluble in water

does not contain fatty acids but are insoluble in water and insoluble in organic

solvents. Examples of steroids are cholesterol, a steroid that is harmful to the

body because it causes heart ailments. However, it helps regulate the fluidity

in the membranes and therefore helps in the transport of materials. Bile salts

act as an emulsifier in the digestive system. It is made in the liver, stored in

the gall bladder and goes to the small intestine. It breaks fat into smaller
 globules thus hastening digestion in the small intestine. Sex hormones triggers

off a response which makes the cell undergo a special process. Examples of

sex hormones are estrogen, directs the cell to produce bigger breasts in

females, and androgen, which commands the cells to create a deep voice and

facial hair in males.

Trivia

 Did you know that atherosclerosis is chronic disease in which soft masses of fats

build up on the inside of the arteries? This results to the disruption of vital organs

functions especially those of the brain, heart and lungs caused by lack of oxygen

and nutrients. Coronary heart disease is one of the most common consequences of

atherosclerosis. This disease damages heart muscles.

Motivational Activity

Activity: Doctor, doctor, I am Sick!

Each student will play the role of a doctor. It is said that too much fats has been

proven to contribute to heart diseases. What diet would you prescribe to a patient who has

a heart disease? The teachers will ask the students to state their prescriptions as soon as

everybody is finished.

Summary

1. Fatty acids may be saturated or unsaturated. They maybe liquid (e.g. oils) or solid

(e.g. lard, butter, margarine).

other biological membranes.

3. Sphingolipids are found in the brain, lungs and nerve tissues. A common example

is sphingomyelin, which helps maintain the right shape pf the lungs of the fetus.

4. Waxes are used as lubricants, polishers and ointments. They also serve to protect

the surfaces of some leaves such as the gabi leaf.

5. Terpenes does not contain fatty acids but are insoluble in water does not contain

fatty acids but are insoluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents.

6. Like terpenes, steroids does not contain fatty acids but are insoluble in water does

not contain fatty acids but are insoluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents.

Evaluation

Identification:

1. This kind of fatty acid is always in solid form at room temperature.

2. It directs cells to perform a specific function.

3. Acts as lubricants.

4. It is the most common form of atherosclerosis.

5. This lipid maintains the right shape of the lungs during development.
Summary of Activities

Key Ideas Activities Time Allotted

Classroom Management
Classroom Routine and Checking of 10 minutes
Attendance
Doctor, doctor, I am Sick!
Classes of Lipids 25 minutes

Lesson Proper Classroom Discussion 35 minutes

Evaluation Quiz 10 minutes

Total 80 minutes

Summary, Conclusion, Recommendation

This module will be an effective tool in teaching everything about lipids to third

year high schools students. The writer of this module hopes recommends that future

module writers who are interested in this topic will put on more activities and provide

harder quizzes to evaluate the learners more accurately.

Integration of Values

Desired values such as patience, perseverance, teamwork, cooperation,

sportsmanship, respect, honesty and eagerness to learn should be developed among the

students.
Literature Cited

Capco, Carmelita M. et al. Biology Textbook. 1996. Phoenix Publishing House.

Holum, John R. Fundamentals of General and Biochemistry. 1996. The Leigh

Keeton, William T. Biological Science.1967. W. W. Norton and Companies Inc.

Murray, Robert. Harper’s Biochemistry. 1990. Lange Publications. pp 146 -157

Appendix

First Lesson Evaluation

Second Lesson Evaluation

1. Saturated fatty acids

2. Hormones

3. Waxes

4. Coronary heart disease

5. Sphingolipid