Question

Give two biological functions of lipids.

Answer 1

Hint: Recollect what kind of biomolecules are lipids. Think about the composition of lipids and where they are present in our body.

Complete step by step answer:
-Lipids are naturally occurring molecules which are generally hydrophobic. They can be extracted from organisms using nonpolar solvents.
-Basically, lipids are oils and fats present in all living beings. Fats are an excellent source of energy. Generally, we say carbohydrates are direct sources of energy but an equal amount of fat is two times more efficient in providing energy.

Two biological functions of lipids are as follows:
1. Steroids- Complex lipids having a steroid nucleus are known as steroids. The nucleus is made up of cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene. Steroids include adrenal hormones, sex hormones, sterols and bile acids. Testosterone, estradiol, progesterone are examples of sex hormones. Cholesterol is an example for sterols. Cholic acid is a bile acid which aids in digestion of fats in the intestine.

2. Prostaglandins- Prostaglandins are a group of lipids that contain a five membered ring along with two long side chains. They help in lowering blood pressure, affect blood platelet aggregation during clotting. They also lower gastric secretions and stimulate uterine contractions during childbirth.

Note: There are many more biological functions of lipids like waxes, phospholipids, terpenoids, etc. Remember lipids are fats and are excellent sources of energy, even twice better than carbohydrates in providing energy. Also, remember simple lipids have ester linkages and have the potential to undergo hydrolysis.