Lecture 4

Question 1

Describe the various classes of lipids.

Answer 1

lipids are structually diverse. THey are often insoluble in water (hydrophobic).

Mosto only contain C,H, and O
- phospholipids contain P,N
Lipids are more reduced than carbohydrates:
- release more energy than carbohydrates when oxidised however the complete oxidation requires more O2.

Question 2

Describe how dietary triacylglycerols are processed to produce energy.

Answer 2

Triacylglycerols are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol which can be broken down to release energy.

Question 3

Explain how, when and why ketone bodies are formed.

Answer 3

Ketone bodies are synthesised by the liver mitochondria and are used for energy.

Produced when acetyl CoA is in excess.

Used to most cells and is often preferred to glucose.

Question 4

Describe the central role of acetyl-CoA in metabolism.

Answer 4

Acetyl-CoA is the entry point to the TCA cycle.