Role of Lipids in Biological System

https://doi.org/10.46610/RAPLS.2022.v04i02.005

Abstract

One of the main macromolecules found in the human body is lipids, along with proteins, nucleic acids, and carbs. Lipids, however, are not polymers because they are not made up of monomers, in contrast to the other macro biomolecules. Because hydrocarbon chains (-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-) predominate in their structures, they are hydrophobic by nature.

Lipids participate in a range of signalling pathways; serve as structural components of cell membranes, and store energy, among other functions, in many crucial biological processes.

Robert Boyle noticed a milky look in the animal blood that was collected after their feed in 1665. Later, in 1774, Henson discovered that the milky liquid contained fat. The period of intensive research on these compounds is from the 18th to the 19th century. The idea that fat is a necessary ingredient for both humans and animals first gained traction in 1827, along with carbohydrates and protein.

The overall structure, characteristics, classification, and functions of lipids in various organisms are presented in this article.