Triglycerides (also known as triacylglycerols) are simple lipids formed by chemically linking three fatty acid chains to a single glycerol molecule. Because all three substituents on the glycerol backbone are long hydrocarbon chains, these compounds are nonpolar and hydrophobic, meaning they are not attracted to polar water molecules and are insoluble in aqueous environments. They serve as the primary components of adipose tissue and sebum, and function as highly efficient energy-storage molecules.

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There are different types of lipids which include:

- Fatty Acids 
- Triacylglycerides
- Isoprenoids 
- Sterols
- Phospholipids

Diversity of Lipids

Simple lipids are lipid molecules formed from only two types of chemical compounds: glycerol and fatty acids.

Simple Lipids

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Fatty acids are lipids that contain long-chain hydrocarbons that end with a carboxylic acid functional group. Fatty acids tend to have a nonpolar or hydrophobic chain.

Fatty Acids

Complex lipids are lipid molecules that contain at least one additional chemical component beyond fatty acids and glycerol, such as a phosphate group or a carbohydrate moiety.

Complex Lipids

Glycolipids are complex lipids in which carbohydrate groups (sugars) are covalently bonded to the polar head groups of the lipid molecules.

Glycolipids

Triglycerides

Phospholipids are complex lipids composed of a glycerol backbone linked to two hydrophobic, nonpolar fatty acid tails and a hydrophilic, polar head group containing a negatively charged phosphate. The two fatty acid tails can be both saturated, both unsaturated, or one of each. The hydrophilic head group can also feature a more complex polar moiety, which is represented by an 'R' designation.

Phospholipids

Waxes are a class of lipids that are typically water-resistant and solid or hard at room temperature. They soften when heated and liquefy when sufficiently warmed.

Waxes

Isoprenoids, also known as terpenoids, are branched lipids formed by the chemical modification of isoprene molecules. They play diverse physiological roles in plants and animals, and have technological uses as pharmaceuticals (such as capsaicin), pigments (such as beta-carotene and xanthophylls), and fragrances (such as menthol, camphor, limonene, and pinene). Long-chain isoprenoids are also found in hydrophobic oils and waxes.

Isoprenoids (terpenoids)

Steroids are complex, ring-structured lipids found in cell membranes, with some members functioning as chemical messengers or hormones.

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