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Roles of Lipids

Triglycerides are stored under the skin in mammals and around vital organs.They have a low mass to energy ratio and are therefore good for storing energy.Other roles of lipids are:energy storagemembrane formationhormone productionthermal insulationelectrical insulationwaterproofing (feathers and leaves)buoyancy in aquatic animalscushioning and protecting vital organs such as the heart and kidneys.

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Specification: OCR Biology A (H020), AS-level, 2.1.2 Biological molecules. Topic: Biological Molecules.

Key terms in this lesson

triglyceride
A lipid formed by the condensation of one glycerol molecule with three fatty acid molecules, joined by ester bonds.

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