Lipids Introduction
The lipids are a large and diverse group of naturally occurring organic compounds that are related by their solubility in nonpolar organic solvents (e.g. ether, chloroform, acetone & benzene) and general insolubility in water. There is great structural variety among the lipids, as will be demonstrated in the following sections.
Most people think of lipids negatively because they associate them with fats. Although some lipids are classified as fats, lipids are not “bad.” On the contrary, they provide very important functions in the body.
Fats are composed of fatty acids and glycerol. They store energy, help to insulate the body, and cushion and protect organs. Phospholipids contain two fatty acids and are a major component of cell membranes. Steroids are cholesterol derived hormones that regulate various physiological functions in the body.
ref: http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Lipids.aspx
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