Question
Question: What is a common lipid that is used for energy storage?...
What is a common lipid that is used for energy storage?
Solution
One of the most important functions of lipids is energy storage. Lipids store the currently unwanted calories of the body and use them in the future.
Complete answer:
A lipid is a macromolecule that is insoluble in polar solvents. The functions of lipids are storage of energy, acting as an important component of cellular walls and signaling. Lipids are also used in the food industry and are applied in cosmetics. Lipids have been divided into eight categories, namely:
Fatty acids
Glycerolipids
Glycerophospholipids
Sphingolipids
Saccharolipids
Polyketides
Sterols
Prenols
Glycerolipids consist of mono, di and tri-substituted glycerols. They comprise the bulk of storage fat in animals as their main function is the storage of energy.
Triglyceride is the most common lipid that is used for energy storage. Triglycerides are the main body fat constituents for vertebrates. They are tri-esters comprising a glycerol molecule that is bound to three fatty acid molecules. The unused calories of our body are stored in the form of triglycerides.Triglycerides store the dormant and unused calories of our body and consume these calories when necessary, providing our body with energy.
High amounts of triglycerides contribute to the thickening of the arterial walls which may put a person at the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Note:
Hypertriglyceridemia is a condition where a person eats more calories than they burn which causes an increase in the amount of triglycerides. High amounts of triglycerides can cause the inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). High amounts of triglycerides can be a warning sign for obesity, heart disease and stroke.