Lipids are organic compounds that are nonpolar molecules, which are soluble only in nonpolar solvents and insoluble in water because of the polarity of the water.
Properties of Lipids:
Lipids are one of the family members of organic compounds, imperturbable of fats and oils. These molecules yield high energy and are mainly responsible for different functionings within the human body. Listed below are some important characteristics of Lipids such as:
- Lipids are oily or greasy nonpolar molecules that are stored in the adipose tissue of the body.
- Lipids are a heterogeneous group of compounds that are mainly composed of hydrocarbon chains.
- Lipids are energy-rich organic molecules, which provide energy for different life processes.
- Lipids are a class of compounds characterized by their solubility in nonpolar solvents and insolubility in water.
- Lipids are consequential in biological systems as they form a mechanical barrier dividing a cell from the external environment known as the cell membrane.