How Lipids Are Generated

Lipids are naturally occurring compounds forming a diverse group of fats, oils, and waxes. When living organisms take in hydrogen, carbon and oxygen, they begin a process that forms lipids.

Plants

• Plants use photosynthesis to make simple carbohydrates.

  According to the University of Cincinnati, through a process called photosynthesis, plants make simple carbohydrates also known as glucose. These simple carbohydrates are then generated into plant triglycerides and stored for seed germination.

Herbivores

• Herbivores metabolize plants, turning the lipids into slightly more complex oils.

  A large part of the diet of an herbivore, or plant-eating animal, consists of plant fats. When an animal consumes plants, the animal metabolizes the fats and turns them into triglycerides and other lipids for its body, according to Second Opinions.

Omnivores

• Bears, like other omnivores, eat plants and herbivores, metabolizing the lipids into even more complex compounds.

  According to Virtual Teacher Aide, when omnivores consume plants and animals, their bodies turn the fat from these organisms into more complex lipids. When carbohydrates are consumed in excess, the body transforms them into triglycerides or other lipids. These other lipids can be steroids made within the body, cholesterol and phospholipids, which are what the body uses to create cell membranes and allow for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.