Question

Which among the following is a compound lipid

• A. Fats
• B. Oils
• C. Phospholipids
• D. Waxes

Hint:

• Simple lipids = Fatty acid esters with alcohol (e.g., fats, oils, waxes).
• Compound lipids = Esters of fatty acids with alcohol + additional groups (e.g., phosphate in phospholipids, carbohydrate in glycolipids).
• Phospholipids are key components of biological membranes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic molecules. They can be broadly classified:

• Simple Lipids: Esters of fatty acids with various alcohols.
  • Fats and Oils (Triglycerides): Esters of fatty acids with glycerol. Fats are solid at room temp, oils are liquid.
  • Waxes: Esters of long-chain fatty acids with long-chain alcohols (other than glycerol).
• Compound Lipids (or Complex Lipids): Esters of fatty acids containing groups in addition to an alcohol and fatty acids. These additional groups can be phosphate, carbohydrate, protein, etc.
  • Phospholipids: Lipids containing a phosphate group. They are major components of cell membranes. Examples: Lecithin, Cephalin. They typically consist of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group often linked to another small molecule (e.g., choline, ethanolamine).
  • Glycolipids: Lipids containing a carbohydrate group.
  • Lipoproteins: Complexes of lipids and proteins.
• Derived Lipids: Substances derived from simple or compound lipids by hydrolysis. Examples include fatty acids, glycerol, steroids, cholesterol, lipid-soluble vitamins.

From the options: (a) Fats: Simple lipids (triglycerides). (b) Oils: Simple lipids (triglycerides). (c) Phospholipids: Contain a phosphate group in addition to fatty acids and alcohol (glycerol or sphingosine). They are compound lipids. (d) Waxes: Simple lipids. Therefore, phospholipids are compound lipids. \[ \boxed{\text{Phospholipids}} \]