Explain how the structure of lipids determines the polarity of the molecule. If the chemistry of water occurs in aqueous solution, why are lipids useful in biological systems?
Lipids are made up of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons form nonpolar covalent bonds, so as a result lipids have little love for H20. So, this makes lipids nonpolar. Water does not mix with lipids because water is nonpolar, and lipids are polar. Only like mixes with like. But, Lipids are still very useful because they protect organs and add cushioning to the body. Lipids also give cells structure and shape. And most importantly, lipids can store energy.
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