Question
Question: Is lecithin A triglyceride lipid?...
Is lecithin A triglyceride lipid?
Solution
We have to remember that the lipids are one of the organic compounds. Lipids are soluble in organic solvents like hexanes and ethyl acetate. But lipids are insoluble in water. The meaning of lipid is fat. The principal components of the cell wall and cell membrane are made up of lipids. Lipids also provide energy to the living systems. The lipids are classified as three types. This classification is based on the structure. There are simple lipids, compound lipids and derived lipids.
Complete answer:
We need to know that lecithin is a one type of lipid. Lecithin comes under the triglyceride lipid. The triglyceride lipid is the main classification of lipids. In this type of lipid having a specific molecular formula. That is one fatty acid is replaced by phosphoric acid. This phosphoric acid is associated with an extra nitrogenous group. The choline is nothing but the lipid having one fatty acid is replaced by phosphoric acid associated with the nitrogenous group. There are two types of lipids. One is hydrophilic lipids and other is hydrophobic lipids. The hydrophobic lipids have nonpolar groups. The hydrophilic lipids have polar groups. The hydrophobic lipids are nothing but the hydrocarbons used for the chain of two lipids groups. Hence, it has nonpolar bonds. The hydrophilic lipids are nothing but the choline and phosphate groups are used for the chain of two lipids groups. Hence, it has polar bonds.
According to the above discussion, we conclude lecithin is a triglyceride lipid.
Note:
Fats, fatty acids and waxes are the further classification of simple lipids. These classification of simple lipids is based on the content in the molecules. The compound lipids are nothing but the ester made up of simple fats and fatty acids. One of the main functions of lipids is the role of the emulsifier in fat and fatty acids metabolism. The protective coating of aquatic organisms is made up of lipids. Lipids are also used as absorption of fat from soluble vitamins. Lipids are also used as transportation of fat from soluble vitamins.