Question

Explain the biological functions of lipids.

Answer 1

It is now known that lipids play a much more important role in the body than previously believed. It was previously known that lipids played the role of storage of energy or forming cell membranes alone. Researchers have found that lipids have a much more diverse and widespread biological role in the body in terms of intracellular signalling or local hormonal regulation etc.

Lipids are synthesized in the body using complex biosynthetic pathways. However, there are some lipids that are considered essential and need to be supplemented in diet.

In 1929, for example, George and Mildred Burr demonstrated that linoleic acid was an essential dietary constituent. Bergström, Samuelsson and others in 1964 added to the knowledge of role of lipids in the body by finding that essential fatty acid arachidonate was the biosynthetic precursor of the prostaglandins with their effects on inflammation and other diseases.

In 1979 the first biologically active phospholipid, platelet activating factor was discovered and there was a raised awareness regarding phosphatidylinositol and its metabolites in cellular signally and messaging.

Answer 2

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The functions of lipids include

• storing energy,
• signalingband
• acting as structural components of cell membranes.