lipídicos

Lipídicos is a term that refers to compounds that are generally insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. This group of organic molecules is essential for life and plays a variety of roles in biological systems. Lipids can be broadly classified into several categories, including fats, oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.

Fats and oils are triglycerides, composed of glycerol and three fatty acid chains. They serve as a major form of energy storage in organisms and also provide insulation. Waxes are esters of long-chain alcohols and fatty acids, offering protective and waterproof coatings on plant leaves and animal fur. Phospholipids are crucial components of cell membranes, forming a lipid bilayer that encloses the cell. Steroids, characterized by a four-ring structure, include important molecules like cholesterol, which is vital for cell membrane structure and the synthesis of hormones.

The diverse functions of lipídicos extend to signaling, vitamin absorption, and protection of organs. Their insolubility in water is a key property that dictates their arrangement within biological structures and their transport in the body.