Lipids create a unique type of polymer, known for being a key component of cell membranes and hormones. Where most polymers are long chains of identical, repeating carbon-containing molecules known as monomers, lipid polymers contain an additional, nonidentical molecule attached to each monomer chain. read more
Polymers are chains of smaller molecules that can interlink, while lipids have a starter molecule, like a fatty acid, and build long chains through a chemical reaction, like dehydration. read more
A polymer is a molecule that is created by combining other molecules through condensation reactions. These are called condensation reactions because they release water, and, in the case of lipids, the water is released when the fatty acid's carboxyl group (-COOH) and the alcohol's hydroxyl group (-OH) react. read more