Question

Write a short paragraph describing the role of all four types of lipids: fats, phospholipids, waxes, and steroids.

Answer 1

Here are the requirements:

• Fats provide long-term energy storage.
• Fats provide insulation and protection.
• Phospholipids are the main component of cell  membranes.
• Waxes provide a waterproof coating on leaves and feathers.
• Steroids are part of cell membranes and chemical messengers in the body.

Answer 2

The role of all four types of lipids: fats, phospholipids, waxes, and steroids are described below:

• Fats act as an insulator and keep us warm. They are also stored in the body and used up later to fulfil energy requirements.
• Phospholipids are very essential for organisms as they are the main constituent from which the cell membrane is made up of. The cell membrane controls the transport of substances into and out of the cell.
• Waxes are important for both plants and animals due to their water-resistant property. In desert plants, the waxy coating on the epidermis prevents evaporation.
• Some steroids are essential for the adequate functioning of the body. Cholesterol is the most important steroid which is a precursor of bile salts, testosterone, vitamin D etc.