What are the Functions of Lipids?

1. Storage lipids function as the major source of metabolic energy for tissues.

2. Some triglycerides are used as cooking oils.

3. Phosphatidyl inositol biphosphate is the parent compound for the formation of an important class of second messengers used in the biosignalling process.

4. Waxes are used as insulators and thus help regulate the body temperature in some animals living in extreme climates.

5. Waxes are used in the manufacture of cosmetics, ointments and polishes.

6. Amphipathic lipids are major constituents of biological membranes. The hydrophobic tails form a near impervious core and hence regulate the.flow of water and water soluble molecules into and out of cells. Consequently, these help maintain the osmotic pressure of cells at equilibrium.

7. Eicosanoids act as local hormones in that they carry messages to nearby cells.

8. Sphingomyelins act as insulators in some nerve fibers.

9. Glycosphingolipids act as cell surface recognition molecules (antigens), especially blood group substances.

10. Cholesterol is the parent compound for the formation of many important regulato molecules including steroid hormones. Steroid hormones carry messages between tissu

11. Many fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, E and K are isoprenoids.

12. Ubiquinone, an isoprenoid is an important constituent of the respiratory chain.

13. Plant derived isoprenoids like menthol; camphor and rubber have a variety of uses.

14. Retinal, apart of the visual pigment rhodopsin, functions as a light absorbing molecul during a visual stimulus by light.

15. Liposomes are used as vectors / carriers of nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells recombinant DNA technology.