Question

In what ways are fats and steroids similar to each other and in what ways are they different?

Answer 1

ookay, let us talk in the common point of the two, Lipids

The lipid family contains of:
1. Fatty acids
2. Triglycerides ( fats and oils )
3. Phospholipids
4. Steroids ( Cholesterol, Bile Salts, Vit. D, Adrenocortical hormones, Sex hormones )
5. Eicosanoids ( prostaglandins and leukotrienes )
6. Others ( Carotenes, Vit. E, Vit. K, Lipoproteins )

So your question is the comparation of triglycerides and steroids.

Triglycerides : the most plentiful lipid in your body.
It consists of two types of building blocks, a single three-carbon glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules. It can be either solid (fat) or liquids (oil). It's functions in the human body are for protection, insulation, and energy storage.

Steroids : the structure of steroids differ from triglycerides, they have four rings of carbon atoms.
Steroids are synthesized from cholesterol.
Functions :
1. Cholesterol : minor component of cell membranes, precursor of other steroids
2. Bile Salts : digests dietary lipid
3. Adrenocortical Hormones : regulate metabolism, resistance to stress, have a role in salt and water balance
4. Sex hormones : stimulate reproductive functions and sexual characteristics

the easiest similarity of the two are, they are both Lipids, which have few polar covalent bond, and thus are hydrophobic (insoluble in polar solvents i.e. Water) (except some of the fatty acid - the smallest lipids - are soluble in watery blood plasma)

hope it helps :D