NextPrevious

Cellular Basics

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Why are lipids important to animal and plant cells?

Lipids are another word for “fats.” More formally, they are substances such as fats, oils, or waxes that dissolve in alcohol, but not in water; for example, cholesterol and triglycerides are lipids. Along with proteins and carbohydrates, lipids are the main constituents of plant and animal cells, serving as a source of food for the cell.