The complex life of a membrane glycerophospho- or sphingolipid.
Lipids undergo extensive enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic modifications, which changes their properties and functions. General enzyme classes are indicated.

Over the past 30 years basic cell biology has been a major driver of lipid research not only with respect to cholesterol homeostasis. Elegant experiments in model organisms including yeasts, worms, flies and mice have provided deep insight into lipid metabolism in living organisms. Using modern genetic approaches in combination with functional assays, these studies addressed the roles of many lipid enzymes, including lipases, kinases, phosphatases and transferases. Common to these studies is their focus on mechanistic aspects which is key to understanding the biology of lipids at a molecular level.