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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Lipids and Fats?

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Lipids and fats are both types of biomolecules found in organisms, but they have distinct differences:

  1. Definition: Lipids are a broader group of organic molecules that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Fats, on the other hand, are a subcategory of lipids that are necessary for a healthy body and are oily substances insoluble in water.
  2. Classification: Lipids are classified into eight categories: glycerolipids, polyketides, fatty acids, prenol lipids, sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, saccharolipids, and sterol lipids. Fats are divided into two main types: unsaturated fats and saturated fats, with trans fats and cis fats being subcategories of unsaturated fats.
  3. Physical Properties: Lipids are hydrophobic in nature, meaning they repel water. Fats are oily substances found beneath the skin and surrounding organs in the body.
  4. Caloric Content: From a caloric perspective, fats are triglycerides, fatty acids, and phospholipids that provide 9 kcal/g. Oils, which are a type of lipid, are considered fats from a caloric standpoint because they provide 9 kcal/g as well.
  5. Function: Lipids play a crucial role in various biological functions, including energy storage, insulation, and protection of organs. Fats, as a subcategory of lipids, contribute to these functions and are essential for maintaining a healthy body.
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  • What is the Difference Between Lipids and Fats?
  • Comparative Table: Lipids vs Fats

    • Comparative Table: Lipids vs Fats

    Here is a table comparing the differences between lipids and fats:

    Feature Lipids Fats
    Definition Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic biomolecules, including fats, oils, waxes, and other compounds. Fats are a type of lipid, specifically triglycerides, which consist of three fatty acids bound to a molecule of glycerol.
    Form Lipids can be solids or liquids. Fats are solids at room temperature, but unsaturated fats (oils) are liquids at room temperature.
    Function Lipids serve various functions, such as structural components, energy molecules, and cell membrane formation. Fats primarily serve as a source of energy and are biologically known as triglycerides.
    Types There are three types of lipids: steroids, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Fats are divided into two types: saturated and unsaturated fats.
    Subcategories Lipids are further divided into eight categories, including glycerolipids, polyketides, fatty acids, prenol lipids, sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, saccharolipids, and sterol lipids. Fats include saturated fats and unsaturated fats, with trans fats and cis fats being subcategories of unsaturated fats.
    Solubility Lipids are not soluble in water but are soluble in organic solvents. Fats are solid at room temperature due to their high saturation rate.
    Structure Lipids are composed of long chains of carbon and hydrogen molecules. Fats consist of three fatty acids and one glycerol molecule.

    In summary, lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic biomolecules, with fats being a specific type of lipid called triglycerides. They have different forms, functions, and subcategories, but both play essential roles in biological systems.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.