Final answer:
Lipids, such as fats, oils, and phospholipids, are involved in long-term energy storage and are essential components of cell membranes. Phospholipids form a bilayer in the plasma membrane, while cholesterol contributes to membrane flexibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Butter, shortening, fat on meats, oils, nuts, and cell membranes are all examples of lipids, which are a class of macromolecules that play various roles in the body. Lipids, such as fats and oils, are used by organisms for long-term energy storage. Fats are solid at room temperature, and oils are liquid. The lipid category also includes phospholipids, which are critical components of the plasma membrane in animal cells. Phospholipids form a bilayer that is imperative for maintaining cell structure and function. Another important type of lipid is cholesterol, which adds flexibility to the plasma membrane and is a precursor for steroid hormones. Diacylglycerol 3-phosphate is a glycerolipid which forms a part of certain lipids that compose the cell membrane.