Question

What are the functions of fats and lipids list 5 things

Answer 1

Lipids are biomolecule that are soluble in nonpolar solvents. These include cholesterol and fat and constitute a major part of the average human diet. The main biological functions of lipids are to store energy, signalling, and acting as structural components of cell membranes.

1) Storage and provision of energy: Lipids store compound like triglycerides which act as reserve of energy for the body. Triglycerides are fatty acids in non-esterified form and release energy during fasting and to form the structural components for cells.

2) Maintenance of temperature: Lipids help to maintain temperature by storing the layers of subcutaneous fat under the skin in insulation and protection from cold.

3) Chemical messengers: Lipids act as chemical messengers to send information between organelles and to other cells. Since lipids are small molecules insoluble in water, they are excellent candidates for signalling.

4) Prostaglandin formation: Lipids are precursors of many different types of eicosanoids, including the hydroxyeicosatetraenes, prostanoids, leukotrienes and resolvins. These play an important role in pain, fever, inflammation and blood clotting.

5) Fat-soluble vitamins: Lipids act as source for fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E, K. These vitamins are essential nutrients with numerous functions.