A lipid is a hydrophobic (does not interact with water molecules) macromolecule that may provide storage, structure, or nutrients in organisms. Lipids can be categorized into three different types, each with its own important functions.
A triglyceride consists of three fatty acids and one glycerol. The fatty acids may be saturated (no double bonds) or unsaturated (at least one double bond). This triglyceride molecule will be metabolized into a molecule of glycerol and three fatty acids. Two of the fatty acids are saturated and one is not.
Cholesterol is often thought of negatively in association with heart disease, but it is a necessary nutrient for cell function and overall health. The cell membrane is composed of a bilayer of phospholipids with their hydrophobic tails facing one another. Cholesterol's nonpolar end is located next to the lipid tails while its polar end is near the polar phosphate. This arrangement lends strength and fluidity to the cell membrane.