Sources of Lipids Flashcards
What are the main roles of lipids in the body?
Lipids provide energy, act as structural components of cell membranes, function as messenger molecules in cell signaling, and help deliver fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
How are lipids stored in plant cells?
In plant cells, lipids are stored in small oil bodies, which are spherical or ellipsoidal organelles surrounded by a membrane of phospholipids and proteins.
Where are lipids stored in animal tissues?
Lipids are stored as adipose tissue and found in the connective tissue surrounding muscle fibers.
What is marbling in meat, and why is it important?
Marbling refers to the distribution of fat within muscle fibers, characterized by small white flecks. It affects flavor, tenderness, juiciness, and bioavailability of nutrients.
What type of emulsion are dairy products, and what surrounds them?
Dairy products are oil-in-water emulsions, surrounded by a milk fat globular membrane made of surface-active molecules like phospholipids and proteins.
What are some current challenges related to dietary fats as of 2023?
Challenges include egg shortages due to avian flu, regulation of palm oil exports to combat deforestation, bans on trans fats in Canada, and rising costs of cocoa butter and animal fats.
What new sources of fats and oils are emerging?
New sources include single-cell oils from bacteria, algae, yeast, and insect sources like cockroaches and soldier-fly larvae.
