Phospholipids
Your cells are surrounded by a very important type of lipid, called phospholipids. They are predominant in all biological membranes. The formation of phospholipids is called the phospholipids ¨bi-layer¨ when they arrange themselves into two parallel layers. This forms a strong basis of the cell and its membrane, supporting the cell as it functions.
Phospholipids form the membranes around the small organelles within the cell much as the mitochondria. This crucial lipid protects the The cell from the environment. The bi layer allows cells to change shape when it is necessary. Since the bi layer is semi-permeable, it allows the cell to keep the cytoplasm's shape independent from the outside environment. |
Energy StorageAbove are some types of lipids, and their chemical breakdown. Cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipids are some of the many types of lipids. Despite their differences, a basic function of these macromolecules is to store energy for the organism to use when needed. Lipids fuel the molecules when needed, and presumably, have very high concentrations of energy within them.
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Protect the Biological MembranesAnother crucial purpose for lipids is to protect and surround the membranes of all body cells. This (as described in the explanation above) helps to diffuse oxygen and other nutrients into the cell when needed, and to protect the cell organelles from the external environment.
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Bile Acids and Other HormonesLipids function as the building block for most bile acids and similar fluids within organisms. It has a hydrophobic tail end that 'fears' water and a hydrophilic front that loves 'water'.
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