- Biology Notes for UPSC IAS Prelims (Part II)
- Biology - Home
- Biology - Classification of Organisms
- Biology - Cell Division
- Biology - Virus
- Biology - Bacteria
- Biology - Fungi
- Biology - The Roots
- Biology - The Plant Stem
- Biology - The Plant Leaf
- Biology - The Flowers
- Biology - The Fruit
- Biology - Plant Diseases
- Biology - The Blood
- Biology - Blood Group
- Biology - Human Brain
- Biology - Skeleton System
- Biology - Endocrine System
- Biology - Endocrine Diseases
- Biology - Carbohydrate
- Biology - Proteins
- Biology - Fats
- Biology - Vitamins
- Biology - Minerals
- Biology - Genetic Terminology
- Organisms & their Chromosome Counts
- Biology - Viral Diseases
- Biology - Bacterial Diseases
- Branches of Biology
- Inventions & Discoveries in Biology
- Nobel Prize in Biology
Biology - Fats
Introduction
Fat is a significant foodstuff for many forms of life.
Fats serve structural as well as metabolic functions.
The fats are molecules made up of glycerol and fatty acid.
Fat is an organic compound of hydrogen, carbon, oxygen.
Based on the number and bonding of the carbon atoms, fats and oils, are categorized in the aliphatic chain.
Functions of Fats
Following are the major functions of Fats −
Fat is a vital dietary requirement.
The fat is usually the stored source of energy in the body that remained store beneath the skin.
Fat acts a protective layer especially in the human body and provide protection.
Some of the vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K are fat-soluble, which means they can only be absorbed, digested, and transported in conjunction with the fats.
Fats actively help in maintaining the healthy skin and hair.
Fats insulate body organs against external shock.
Fats also maintain body temperature.
Fats promote healthy cell function.
Types of Fats
Following are the major types of Fats −
Unsaturated Fats
The fats that remain in the liquid form at room temperature are known as unsaturated fats.
Unsaturated fats are beneficial for health, as it improves blood cholesterol levels, stabilize heart beats, etc.
Unsaturated fats are commonly found in vegetable oils, nuts, and many seeds.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats have no double bonds between the carbons found in its chain.
Saturated fats can easily solidify and typically found in solid form at room temperature.
Saturated fats are found in animals’ meat, cheese, ice cream, etc.