Question

Write short notes on: Lipids.

Answer 1

Lipids are molecules that contain hydrocarbons and make up the building blocks of the structure and function of living cells. Examples of lipids include fats, oils, waxes, certain vitamins (such as A, D, E and K), hormones and most of the cell membrane that is not made up of protein

• Lipids perform three primary biological functions within the body:

1. they serve as structural components of cell membranes,
2. function as energy storehouses, and
3. function as important signaling molecules.

The three main types of lipids are triacylglycerols (also called triglycerides), phospholipids, and sterols.