Abstract
This chapter describes lipids as naturally occurring water-insoluble substances that perform a stunning array of functions in living organisms. It presents some lipids that are vital energy reserves and others that are the primary structural components of biological membranes. Other lipid molecules act as hormones, antioxidants, pigments, or vital growth factors and vitamins. The chapter describes the structures and properties of the major lipid classes found in living organisms as well as the structural and functional properties of biomembranes. It also looks at the structure and function of each major type of lipid and investigates lipoproteins, complexes of protein and lipid that transport lipids in animals. It finishes with an overview of membrane structure and function.
