Lipids

  • Triglyceride is a type of lipid which is made up of a glycerol backbone and three fatty acids
  • Are hydrophobic
  • Are not polymers – as they are not made up of repeating sub-units
  • Structure of glycerol and formulas of various fatty acids are listed in the Data book
  • Are important component of the plasma membrane – made up of phospholipids

Main roles of lipids:

  • Structural component – plasma membrane
  • Energy storage – fat storage in animals
  • Cell signalling – component on the cell receptors that allows for cell-cell communication
triglyceride