Menu:
Lipid Metabolism
Lipid metabolism is assimilation, synthesis and degradation of lipids. It's major aspect is oxidation of fatty acids to produce energy. Lipid Metabolism is connected primarily with the metabolism of carbohydrates leading to prevention of fat accumulation.
What are Lipids
Lipids are a broad class of hydrocarbons containing organic compounds that are essential for structure and functioning of cells in living organism. They are insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar liquids such as organic solvents. Along with carbohydrates and proteins lipids are the fundamental construction material for living cells. Lipids are also the storehouse of energy in body containing all most all of the energy. Fats, oils, waxes, sterols, and triglycerides are principle lipids.
Functions of Lipids
Lipids are stored throughout the body in cells in special kind of tissues called adipose tissues, the name of which is generally very familiar.
The main function of lipids is energy storage. They contain almost 95 % of the total energy stored in body while constituting just one sixth to the body weight.
In addition to energy storage lipid provides a number of other functions. They serve as a protective cushion and provides structural support to help prevent injury to vital organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and spleen. They also insulate body from heat loss and extreme temperature changes.
Procedure of Lipid Metabolism
The initial step in lipid metabolism is hydrolysis of lipids in the cytoplasm. This hydrolysis produces glycerol and fatty acids.
Glycerol is easily metabolized to produce dihydroxyacetone phosphate. This compound can be further metabolized into two compounds
- Pyruvic Acid through glycolysis to make energy
- Glucose-6 Phosphate for glucose to the blood
Fatty acids are further oxidized an acetyl compound in the mitochondria by the help of fatty acid spirals. The acetyl compound is finally converted into ATP, CO2, and H2O using cycles of citric acid and electron transport chain.
Next>>Basal MetabolismYou may also like to know about Diet Tips and Weight Loss Tips