A polypeptide is a sequence of amino acids between ten and one hundred in length. A protein is a peptide that is greater than one hundred amino acids in length. The three-dimensional structure of a protein is very critical to its function. This structure can be broken down into four levels.
A great many nonpolar lipids can be made by combining different long- chain acids with glycerol. Because these acids were originally derived from fats, they are collectively referred to as fatty acids. This most-common form of animal fat serves as a storehouse for energy and as insulation against heat loss. On a molecular level it is constructed from three molecules of stearic acid and one of glycerol.
Steroids have a four-fused-ring structure and have a variety of functions. Cholesterol is a steroid found in mammals that is needed for the formation of cell membranes, bile acids, and several hormones. Bile salts are secreted into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats.