NZQA registered unit standard
26489 version 2
Page 1 of 3
Title
Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of lipids
Level
5
Credits
4
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to describe: the
classification and function of lipids; the structure and properties
of fatty acids; and the structure, properties, and functions of
complex lipids.
Classification
Science > Biochemistry
Available grade
Achieved
Explanatory notes
International Union of Chemistry (IUC) was set up to create a system of rules for naming
chemical compounds (Geneva Rules). The Geneva Rules established the foundation, the
framework, and the initial rules for a consistent, international naming convention for all
chemical compounds, including the complex organic compounds. This convention has
been used to create the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)
nomenclature for naming compounds.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Describe the classification and function of lipids.
Evidence requirements
1.1
Lipids are classified into chemical groups.
1.2
The different biological functions of the classes of lipids are described.
1.3
The description names the lipids in accordance with the International Union of
Chemistry (IUC) convention.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
26489 version 2
Page 2 of 3
Outcome 2
Describe the structure and properties of fatty acids.
Evidence requirements
2.1
The description contains a structural diagram.
Range
saturated fatty acid, unsaturated fatty acid, polyunsaturated fatty
acid, trans fatty acid, cis fatty acid.
2.2
The description explains the relationship between the degree of unsaturation
and the melting point.
2.3
The description outlines simple chemical reactions of fatty acids.
Range
oxidation, saponification, halogenation.
Outcome 3
Describe the structure, properties, and functions of complex lipids.
Evidence requirements
3.1
The description identifies properties and structural components of waxes,
cholesterol, and phospholipids.
3.2
The description outlines the precursor role of cholesterol in the formation of
other steroids.
other steroids includes one of – sex hormones, adrenal cortex
hormones, bile acids, vitamin D.
Range
3.3
The description outlines the role of phospholipids in the structure and function of
cell membranes.
3.4
The description outlines the role of waxes in animals and plants.
Replacement information
This unit standard replaced unit standard 8054.
Planned review date
31 December 2018
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
17 September 2010
N/A
Rollover
2
27 January 2015
N/A
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
26489 version 2
Page 3 of 3
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0152
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact NZQA National Qualifications Services nqs@nzqa.govt.nz if you wish to
suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016