Thousands of different molecular species of lipids are present within a single cell, being involved in modulating the basic processes of life. The vast number of different lipid species can be organized into a number of different lipid classes, which may be defined as a group of lipids with a common chemical structure, such as the headgroup, apart from the nature of the hydrocarbon chains. Each lipid class has unique biological roles. In some cases, a relatively small change in the headgroup chemical structure can result in a drastic change in function. Such phenomena are well documented, and largely understood in terms of specific interactions with proteins. In contrast, there are observations that the entire structural specificity of a lipid molecule, including the hydrocarbon chains, is required for biological activity through specific interactions with membrane proteins. Understanding of these phenomena represents a fundamental change in our thinking of the functions of lipids in biology. There are an increasing number of diverse examples of roles for specific lipids in cellular processes including: Signal transduction; trafficking; morphological changes; cell division. We are gaining knowledge and understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. They are of growing importance in both basic and applied sciences.

单个细胞内存在成千上万种不同分子的脂质，参与调节生命的基本过程。可以将大量不同的脂质种类组织成许多不同的脂质类别，这些类别可以定义为除了烃链的性质以外，具有共同化学结构的一组脂质，例如头基。每个类脂具有独特的生物学作用。在某些情况下，头基化学结构的相对较小的变化会导致功能的急剧变化。此类现象已得到充分证明，并且在与蛋白质的特异性相互作用方面得到了广泛的理解。相反，有观察发现，脂质分子的整个结构特异性，包括烃链，通过与膜蛋白的特异性相互作用具有生物活性所必需的。对这些现象的理解代表了我们对脂质在生物学中功能的思考的根本变化。特定脂质在细胞过程中所起的作用的例子越来越多，包括：信号转导；贩运；形态变化 细胞分裂。我们正在获得有关潜在分子机制的知识和理解。它们在基础科学和应用科学中都越来越重要。形态变化 细胞分裂。我们正在获得有关潜在分子机制的知识和理解。它们在基础科学和应用科学中都越来越重要。形态变化 细胞分裂。我们正在获得有关潜在分子机制的知识和理解。它们在基础科学和应用科学中都变得越来越重要。