1. Explain the effect soaps have on lipids. -?

Question

1. Explain the effect soaps have on lipids. -?

Answer 1

Soaps are amphiphiles, which means the soap molecules have both a polar end and a non-polar end.

Lipids and other non-polar compounds are usually insoluble in water and other polar solvents.

Soaps (and other amphiphiles) will allow non-polar compounds to be dissolved (or suspended) in a polar liquid.

Lipids are non-polar, so the non-polar end of the soap molecule will be attracted to the lipids. The polar end of the soap molecule will face outward, thus the amphiphile will "coat" the non-polar compound with a "polar layer" which allows it to dissolve or suspend in a polar solvent.

Soap will form a soap-lipid complex with lipids which allows the lipids to dissolve in water (a polar solvent).

Answer 2

See: Saponification in wikipedia