Lipids (functions, characteristics, categories)
Lipids Lipids are group of hydrophobic biomolecules that play important roles in living organisms. Primary Function: While the primary function of lipids is long-term energy storage, lipids are also used for protection, insulation, and lubrication. They also act as precursors for some hormones, and are a key component of cell membranes. Basic group of lipids: There are four basic groups of lipids. These are triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids, and waxes . Characteristics: Although these groups differ in many respects, they all have one characteristic in common: They are all insoluble in water. You may have noticed that lipids and water do not mix. For example, notice the yellow colored oil in the beaker of water shown here? Even if we stirred this for several minutes, or even several hours, the oil would still separate out from the water. This is because lipids are hydrophobic. From Latin, the prefix “hydro” means “water” and “phobic” means “fear of”. So when you hear