Question

Are lipids polymeric?

Answer 1

Polymers

1. These are macromolecules that have long chains of repeated monomeric units.
2. It can be natural or synthetic.
3. Some synthetic polymers include nylon, polyester, etc, while DNA, protein, wool, and silk are some examples of naturally occurring polymers.

Lipids

1. Lipids are macromolecules that are soluble in a non-polar solvent.
2. It includes wax, fatty acids, and oils.
3. They play a major role in forming cell structure, synthesis, storage, and signalling of the cell.
4. Lipids are not considered polymers because they don't have a repeated chain of monomers.
5. Lipids lack a monomer and instead can be fatty acid molecules followed by a long chain of hydrocarbons.
6. In triglycerides, the fatty acid is esterified with glycerol followed by a hydrocarbon chain.