What are the functions of lipids in the body?

Answer 1

• Cell membrane formation(phospholipid)
• Fat(triglyceride)
• Hormones(steroids such as estrogen or testosterone)

In detail:

1. Structural component - plasma membrane (phospho-lipids)

2. Energy source - can be oxidised to get ATP

3. Storage material - triglycerides under skin of mammals

4. Protection - cuticle prevents drying of leaves

sebum prevents drying and cracking of skin

fat layer around some organs like heart.. protects and absorbs shock

5. Insulation - myelin sheath around neurons (electrical insulation)

keeps body warm (thermal insulation)

6. Water yield - desert animals store certain fats like tripalmitin and on oxidising them, it yields a lot of water

eg. 2tripalmitin + 145 O2 -----> 102 CO2 + 98 H2O

7. Gives colour to flowers fruits (carotenoids)

8. Gives characteristic scent to plants (lemon - limoneme, mint - menthol)

9. Plant hormone - Giberellin

10. Gives buoyancy - blubber in whales

11. Surfactant in lungs prevent collapsing of lungs

Answer 2

Lipids serve as a source of energy, help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and play a key role in cell structure and function by forming cell membranes. They also aid in insulation, protection of vital organs, and support hormone production.

Answer 3

Lipids are vitally important in living organisms. They have many functions, some of which are listed below:

• Their insulating properties keep mammals, including humans, warm.
• They contain twice the stored energy of carbohydrates, gram for gram.
• They are used in the formation of cell-surface membranes.
• In aquatic mammals, the fat is less dense than water, so it acts as a buoyancy aid.

Answer 4

Lipids are insoluble so they are mostly used as the outside edge of cells.

Answer 5

Lipids have insulating properties that keep animals warm. They contain stored energy and are used in the formation of cell membranes.

Answer 6

There are many functions of lipids in living systems. They are the ones that make up the cell membrane structure and they also regulate the fluidity in membrane among others.

Answer 7

Lipids play the role of storing energy and forming cell membranes. They also are involved in intracellular signaling and local hormonal regulation.

Answer 8

They mainly function as energy storage centers in the body. Also function as fat soluble vitamins and structural components of cell membranes.

Answer 9

Lipids are types of food that contain fats and oils. It is very energy rich and it is used for long-term storage ( in the body ).

Answer 10

storing energy