Lipids, which include fats, oils, and phospholipids, are organic compounds primarily composed of three main elements: carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O).
These elements are arranged in various forms and structures to create the diverse types of lipids found in living organisms. For example, triglycerides, a common form of fat, consist of a glycerol backbone attached to three fatty acid chains. The carbon and hydrogen atoms are predominantly found in the fatty acid chains, giving lipids their energy-rich characteristics. Meanwhile, the inclusion of oxygen in the glycerol and fatty acids contributes to their solubility and functionality.
In addition to these three elements, certain lipids may also contain phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), especially phospholipids and other complex lipids, which play crucial roles in the structure and functioning of cell membranes.