what are lipids and what do they do?

Answer 1

lipids




a broad class of organic products found in living systems. Most are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents. The definition excludes the mineral oils and other petroleum products obtained from fossil material. Major classes of lipids include the fatty acids, the glycerol-derived lipids (including the fats and oils and the phospholipids), the sphingosine-derived lipids (including the ceramides, cerebrosides, gangliosides, and sphingomyelins), the steroids and their derivatives, the terpenes and their derivatives, certain aromatic compounds, and long-chain alcohols and waxes. In living organisms lipids serve as the basis of cell membranes and as a form of fuel storage. Often lipids are found conjugated with proteins or carbohydrates, and the resulting substances are known as lipoproteins and lipopolysaccharides. The fat-soluble vitamins can be classified as lipids. Liposomes are spherical vesicles formed by mixing lipids with water or water solutions. They have found applications in the oral administration of some drugs (e.g., insulin and some cancer drugs), since they retain their integrity until they are broken down by the lipases in the stomach and small intestine.

Answer 2

From what I remember from AP Biology last year, lipids are glycerol connected to fatty acids by ester bonds. Fats are very effective in maintaining the warmth of the animal (that's why polar bears are so "fat") and in cushioning your organs (or else it's very painful for your lungs to rub against your heart all the time). Lipids are the main site for storing energy, but sugars are a more ready source for energy. In fact, lipids store twice as much energy as sugars. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Lipids are composed of fatty acids and glycerides. Their functions are:
1- Long term energy source,
2- Cell membrane structure,
3- Heat generation and preservation,
4- Protection,
5- Hormone production.
6- Signal transduction.

Answer 4

lipids are fats. and we all know what fats do. they do everything from protect each individual cell in your body by creating a thin fatty layer areound each of your body cells that acts as a barrier that lets stuff in and out. it also can build up just under the skin and cause you to be fat. lipids are a necessary part of life.

Answer 5

they are fats and that is all i know