Lipid

Definition

Lipids are a group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents, playing crucial roles in cell structure, energy storage, and signaling. They include fats, oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.

Related terms

Fatty acid: A long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxylic acid group at one end that is a key component of many lipids.

Phospholipid: A type of lipid that forms the primary component of cell membranes, featuring a phosphate group head and two fatty acid tails.

Steroid: A lipid molecule characterized by a carbon skeleton structured into four fused rings, significant in hormone production and regulation