logo
AAT Bioquest

What do lipids do?

Posted December 21, 2023


Answer

Lipids are the building blocks of cells, which in turn are the building blocks of all organisms. Cells would not be able to survive without lipids. They make up the main part of the cellular membrane, preventing leakage from the cell. Lipids are an essential part of several hormones including Progesterone, Estrogen, and Testosterone, which are essential for regulating growth and determining how the body works. Lipid layers beneath the skin help to regulate the temperature of the internal body while lipid layers surrounding vital organs keep the organs protected from injuries. The role of lipids in digestion includes the synthesis of stomach acids and bile which are essential for dissolving fats and facilitating the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Lipids have many other various functions including:

  • Transporting and storing energy
  • Sending messages in cells
  • Digesting fat
  • Metabolize to create energy
  • Make up biological membranes
Additional resources

The Function and Mechanism of Lipid Molecules and Their Roles in The Diagnosis and Prognosis of Breast Cancer

Cell Navigator® Fluorimetric Lipid Droplet Assay Kit *Red Fluorescence*