What is the Difference Between Lipids and Fats?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Lipids and fats are both types of biomolecules found in organisms, but they have distinct differences:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Read more:
- Carbohydrates vs Lipids
- Oil vs Fat
- Fat vs Cholesterol
- Fatty Acids vs Triglycerides
- Carbohydrates vs Fats
- Fat vs Saturated Fat
- Saturated vs Unsaturated Fats
- Triglycerides vs Phospholipids
- Simple vs Complex Lipids
- Fat vs Muscle
- Lipolysis vs Lipogenesis
- Calories vs Fat Calories
- Saponifiable vs Non-saponifiable Lipids
- Glycerol vs Fatty Acids
- Fatty Acid vs Amino Acid
- Cholesterol vs Triglycerides
- Lard vs Shortening
- Monounsaturated vs Polyunsaturated Fats
- Trans Fat vs Saturated Fat