FUNCTION OF LIPIDS

1. Fats are storage products of both plants and animals.
2. In plants, fats are commonly stored in spores and seeds while in animals they are stored in special cells called adipocytes.
3. Fats are most highly concentrated source of energy, 9.2 kcal per gram.
4. During metabolism and germination of oil seeds, fats are converted into carbohydrates.
5. Edible Oils and Fats are obtained from many seeds and butter or cream extracted from milk.
6. Unsaturated oils present in spores and seeds protect the embryo from ultraviolet radiation during their dispersal through air.
7. Adipose or fatty tissue occurs below the skin to provide insulation from low temperature.
8. Subcutaneous fat of Whale is quite thick and is called blubber.
9. Fragrance of essential oils, butte and other fats is mostly due to terpenses (Menthol, Camphar).
10. Desert animals employ fat for respiration in order to liberate more metabolic water as compared to carbohydrate, e.g., Kangaroo Rat, Camel (during period of non-availability of water).
11. Oil or sebum from sebaceous glands keeps the hair lubricated.
12. Oil from preen gland of birds is similarly used to lubricate the feather.
13. Soaps are formed from fats through the process of saponification.
14. Cuticle is made of cutin and wax. It reduces epidermal transpiration.
15. Cerumen or ear wax lubricates ear drum.
16. Wax coating prevents clogging of stomata and wetting of upper surface of flowting leaves.
17. Lanolin provides water proof coating to fur of animals.
18. Bees wax is used in polishes and creams.
19. Paraffin wax is used in preparing candles.
20. Spermaceti (from Sperm Whale) is lubricant for fine machinery.
21. Jojoba wax is used similarly. It is also ingredient of cosmetic creams.
22. Myelin Sheath is found around medullated nerve fibres. It prevents loss of energy, impulse dilution and interference from other fibres.
23. Phospholipids of blood platelets are connected with thromboplastin activity in early stages of blood clotting.
24. Blood platelets also contain prostaguladin thromboxane for vasoconstriction.
25. Polyunsaturates are essential for preventing atherosclerosis.

Note :- Person born with lipid abnormality disorder is lepdosis.