A lipid is a type of substance that is found in organic life forms that is an important component of living cells. It encompasses all types of fats, as well as waxes, phosphatides, cerebrosides, and other related and derived compounds. Lipids include any material that is greasy to the touch and cannot be dissolved in water, but can be dissolved in alcohol, ether or chloroform.
Lipids, together with proteins and carbohydrates, are the main structural components of all living cells and are important for a number of major bodily functions in humans and many other species. Tasks that require lipids within the body include providing energy, producing hormones, digesting food, insulating the body for protection and regulating temperature, as well as forming and strengthening cell walls in cells.
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