Final answer:
Lipids, including triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids, play vital roles in energy storage, cell membrane structure, hormone synthesis, and covering protection in organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Role of Lipids in Organisms
The type of organic molecules that serve in long-term energy storage, in stabilizing cell membranes, in synthesizing certain hormones, and in forming protective waterproof coverings are known as lipids. These lipids play a variety of critical roles in organisms. One major form is triglycerides, which are the main form of stored energy in animals. Another key class are phospholipids, which are the major components of cell membranes and are amphipathic, having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. Lastly, steroids, such as cholesterol, serve as chemical messengers in the form of hormones and also maintain the fluid nature of cell membranes.
Specifically, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are associated with triglycerides, which store energy. Phospholipids contribute to the structural integrity of cell membranes due to their ability to form bilayers. Cholesterol, a type of steroid, is essential for the stability of cell membranes and is a precursor for synthesizing steroid hormones like testosterone. These roles are crucial for the survival and function of both plant and animal cells.