Fats

Fats are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, but unlike carbohydrates, they contain much less oxygen in proportion to hydrogen. They are hydrolysed to form fatty acids and glycerol.

Fats are needed

• as source of energy
• as insulating material to prevent excessive heat loss from skin of mammals
• as solvent for fat-soluble vitamins and some hormones
• as constituent of protoplasmic membranes

Test for fats

• when the ethanol emulsion test is performed on fats, a cloudy white emulsion is formed