3 types of
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are also known as fats. They are made of 3 fatty acids joined together by a glycerol group. There are two types of fatty acids: saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms while unsaturated fats have double bonds between certain carbon atoms. Triglycerides are used mainly for energy storage in the body
Steroids
Most steroids have a basic structure of 4 carbon rings. There is a different chemical group attached to each ring. Steroids act as hormones in the body as well as a structural component of cell membranes. The most commonly known steroid is cholesterol. Cholesterol helps the stay flexible in order to absorb nutrients more efficiently
Phospholipids
Phospholipids are very similar in structure to triglycerides. They are composed of two fatty acids (diglyceride group) along with a phosphate group. Phospholipid bilayers make up cell membranes. They have a hydrophilic (water attracting) head and a hydrophobic (water repelling) tail. This allows them to form a bilayer when placed in water.