and cholesterol. In the middle is a triglyceride composed of oleoyl, stearoyl, and palmitoyl chains attached to a glycerol backbone. At the bottom is the common phospholipid phosphatidylcholine. ]] Lipids are broadly defined as any fat-soluble (lipophilic), naturally-occurring molecules, such as fats, oils, waxes, cholesterol, steroids, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E and K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, phospholipids, and others. Lipids main biological functions include energy storage, acting as structural components of cell membranes, and important signaling molecules. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum also processes these lipids, which store energy. Although the term lipid is sometimes used as a synonym for fat, fats are in fact a subgroup of lipids called triglycerides and should not be confused with the term fatty acid. The term is also used more specifically to refer to fatty acids and their derivatives (in

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