Classification of lipids
The lipids are classified into two groups according to its composition containing fatty acids (saponifiable lipids) or not containing (unsaponifiable lipids).
The term saponifiable refers to the ability of these lipids to form soaps.
The lipids are classified into three groups:
- Fatty acids.
- Saponifiable lipids. They have ester bonds (-COOR-) that produce soaps byalkaline hydrolysis (Ex. NaOH). They contain fatty acids in their molecular composition. They include acylglycerides (or fats), waxes, and complex lipids (phospholipids and glycolipids).
- Unsaponifiable lipids. They do not have ester bonds. In its composition they do not have fatty acids. They comprise the following groups: terpenes, steoroids, and the prostaglandins.
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Lipids |
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