Answer
Lipids have many roles in the body; in addition to their structural importance as components of myelin and plasma membranes , lipids also have several important metabolic roles:
1, Cholesterol serves as the chemical precursor of steroid hormones, bile acids, and Vitamin D.
2. Thromboplastin, a clotting factor, is a lipoprotein.
3. Arachidonic acid is the precursor of prostaglandins, and linoleic acid--another essential fatty acid--is the precursor of the eicosanoid hormones.
4. Fatty acids facilitate the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. An adequate diet should contain at least 20 grams of fat per day.
Work Step by Step
In addition to these metabolic and structural roles, lipids have important protective, insulating and shaping functions.
