Define Lipids - Tests for Presence of Exoenzymatic Activity?
Lipids are also high molecular weight compounds. Enzyme lipases (esterases) cleaves the ester bond to form glycerol and fatty acids. Once assimilated inside the cell, these are further metabolized to produce cellular energy ATP and other cellular protoplasmic macromolecules. Presence of exoenzymatic activity for lipid hydrolysis can be demonstrated by using tributyrin agar, an opaque medium formed due to emulsion formation by tributyrin in agar medium. Lipolysis is shown by a clear zone of hydrolysis surrounding the growth. In the absence of lipolytic enzymes, the medium retains its opacity. It represents a negative reaction.