Comprehensive Final: Fats

Question 1

What are fats composed of?

Answer 1

Fats are composed of glycerol and fatty acid tails, forming triglycerides, the primary storage form of fat in the body.

Question 2

What are the four primary roles of fatty acids in the body?

Answer 2

Energy storage as triglycerides (TAG).
Building blocks of membranes (phospholipids, sterols).
Modifiers for proteins and coenzymes.
Precursors for hormones and signaling molecules.

Question 3

What is the difference between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?

Answer 3

Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., EPA, DHA) are anti-inflammatory, while omega-6 fatty acids (e.g., LA, ARA) can promote inflammation when overconsumed

Question 4

What are the main functions of adipose tissue?

Answer 4

Stores energy as triglycerides.
Regulates energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
Acts as an endocrine organ, releasing hormones like leptin and adiponectin.
Modulates systemic inflammation.

Question 5

Why is the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 important?

Answer 5

Excess omega-6 inhibits omega-3 metabolism, potentially increasing inflammation and chronic disease risk.

Question 6

What is the function of HSL?

Answer 6

HSL breaks down stored triglycerides in adipose tissue into free fatty acids and glycerol, especially during fasting or exercise

Question 7

What regulates HSL activity?

Answer 7

Activated by low insulin levels and the presence of epinephrine/norepinephrine.

Question 8

What are eicosanoids?

Answer 8

Biologically active molecules derived from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Question 9

What are the effects of omega-3-derived eicosanoids?

Answer 9

Anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective.

Question 10

How do omega-6-derived eicosanoids affect the body?

Answer 10

They can promote inflammation and immune responses.

Question 11

What is lipolysis, and what enzyme catalyzes it?

Answer 11

Lipolysis is the breakdown of triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol, catalyzed by hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL).

Question 12

What role does insulin play in fat metabolism?

Answer 12

Insulin inhibits HSL activity, reducing lipolysis, and promotes fat storage.

Question 13

Which hormones increase lipolysis?

Answer 13

Epinephrine and norepinephrine stimulate HSL to promote lipolysis.

Question 14

What limits the conversion of ALA (omega-3) to long-chain EPA/DHA?

Answer 14

Diets high in omega-6 fatty acids suppress omega-3 metabolism.

Question 15

What is metabolic flexibility?

Answer 15

The ability to switch between carbohydrates and fats as energy sources.

Question 16

How does insulin influence metabolic flexibility?

Answer 16

High insulin promotes carbohydrate oxidation, while low insulin encourages fat oxidation.

Question 17

How does training with low glycogen levels improve fat metabolism?

Answer 17

It enhances the body’s ability to oxidize fats, increasing endurance performance.

Question 18

What is the “train-low, compete-high” strategy?

Answer 18

Training in a glycogen-depleted state to improve fat utilization and competing with full glycogen stores for maximum performance.

Question 19

What energy sources are used when insulin is low?

Answer 19

Free fatty acids from adipose tissue.
Intramuscular triglycerides.
Ketone bodies during prolonged fasting or exercise.

Question 20

What are some health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids?

Answer 20

Reduced inflammation.
Improved cardiovascular health.
Enhanced mental health and cognitive function.
Protection against joint and connective tissue inflammation.

Question 21

How do omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation?

Answer 21

They compete with omega-6 fatty acids, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and increasing anti-inflammatory eicosanoids.

Question 22

What are the benefits of fish oil supplementation?

Answer 22

Reduced joint pain and inflammation.
Improved recovery from exercise-induced muscle soreness.
Enhanced metabolic health and fat oxidation.