30+ Biology Lipids Definition Background. They provide cell membrane structure and resilience, insulation, energy storage, hormones and protective barriers. Describing a molecule, such as a detergent, which has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups.
Lipids consist of repeating units called fatty acids.
Fatty acids are usually derived from triglycerides or phospholipids. Lipids are mainly composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms, and this hydrophobic (water fearing) nature of lipids is driven by the bonds between these many carbons. Carbohydrates, proteins and lipids are biological molecules. Describing a molecule, such as a detergent, which has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups.
