Lipids
Definition
Lipids are a group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, phospholipids. They are an important part of living cells and serve as energy storage.
Analogy
Think of lipids like the batteries in your remote control. Just like how batteries store energy for when you want to change the channel or adjust the volume on your TV, lipids store energy for your body to use later.
Related terms
Fatty Acids: These are simple building blocks of lipids and they provide energy to cells.
Triglycerides: These are a type of lipid found in your blood. Your body uses them for energy.
Phospholipids: These are a class of lipids that are a major component of all cell membranes as they can form lipid bilayers.
"Lipids" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (2)
- Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats in the intestines. If a person was to only have lipase in their stomach, would they still be able to digest lipids?
- Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats in the intestines. If a person was to only have lipase in their stomach, would they still be able to digest lipids?
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