Lipid

[ Lipid ]

A group of naturally occurring organic compounds that include fats, waxes, sterols. Lipids can be either hydrophobic or amphiphilic.

Lipids are biologically important for storing energy, signaling, and as structural components. The amphiphilic properties of some lipids makes them important building blocks of blood vesicles, liposomes, and membranes.

The term lipids is often used as a synonym for fats, however, while all fats are lipids, not all lipids are fats.

Cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K) are all lipids.

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