noun
- a lipid molecule that contains one or more carbohydrate groups bonded to a fatty acid or steroid; found especially in cell membranes.
Usage: technical term used in biochemistry and cell biology; plural: glycolipids
Examples
- Glycolipids are important components of the outer layer of cell membranes.
- The brain contains high concentrations of glycolipids, particularly in myelin.
- Glycolipids play a role in cell recognition and immune responses.
- Scientists study glycolipids to understand how cells communicate with each other.
- Certain diseases involve abnormal accumulation of glycolipids in the body.