WGU Biochemistry GRT1_Task 1_Lipids
Biochemistry GRT1
Lipids are molecules that are not soluble in water but can be dissolved in non-polar substances such as alcohol or chloroform (Mandal, n.d.).
Lipid molecules are stored in adipose, or fat tissue, and can be broken down in our bodies to form an energy called ATP. To do so, the lipid molecule is dissected into its base pieces, glycerol and fatty acids. Each of the fatty acids is then broken down into two-carbon pieces and acetyl CoA is formed from each carbon piece. Each acetyl CoA molecule enters into a series of chemical reactions called the citric acid cycle and ultimately produces 12 ATP
(Hudon-Miller, 2013).
A comparison between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids:
Saturated
Unsaturated
*Solid at room temperature
*Animal sources
*Whole fat dairy, red meat, eggs
*Higher melting point
*No double bonds in the molecule
(Mandal, n.d.)
(Smith, Paul, & Segal, 2013)
*Liquid at room temperature
*Plant / fish sources
*Vegetable oils, avocado, nuts, fatty fish
*Lower melting point
*At least one double bond in the molecule
*Energy storage
*Allows for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
(A, D, E, and K) in the small bowel
*Acts as messengers to bring proteins together *Steroids – growth, immune function, sexual function and reproduction
*Cholesterol – important component of cell membranes *Insulates and protects organs
(Dutchen, 2010)
(Davis, 2009)
The two main consequences of eating a diet without any fat are lack of energy and poor vitamin absorption.
As previously discussed, the breakdown of fatty acids yield a large amount of ATP, or energy, that can be used by the body. In the absence of fat, the body is forced to utilize carbohydrates for energy which yield less ATP and are quickly depleted. The effect on the body is unregulated energy production, leading to hunger and fatigue (Mandal, n.d.).
In the absence of dietary fat, the body would also be
Lipids are molecules that are not soluble in water but can be dissolved in non-polar substances such as alcohol or chloroform (Mandal, n.d.).
Lipid molecules are stored in adipose, or fat tissue, and can be broken down in our bodies to form an energy called ATP. To do so, the lipid molecule is dissected into its base pieces, glycerol and fatty acids. Each of the fatty acids is then broken down into two-carbon pieces and acetyl CoA is formed from each carbon piece. Each acetyl CoA molecule enters into a series of chemical reactions called the citric acid cycle and ultimately produces 12 ATP
(Hudon-Miller, 2013).
A comparison between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids:
Saturated
Unsaturated
*Solid at room temperature
*Animal sources
*Whole fat dairy, red meat, eggs
*Higher melting point
*No double bonds in the molecule
(Mandal, n.d.)
(Smith, Paul, & Segal, 2013)
*Liquid at room temperature
*Plant / fish sources
*Vegetable oils, avocado, nuts, fatty fish
*Lower melting point
*At least one double bond in the molecule
*Energy storage
*Allows for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
(A, D, E, and K) in the small bowel
*Acts as messengers to bring proteins together *Steroids – growth, immune function, sexual function and reproduction
*Cholesterol – important component of cell membranes *Insulates and protects organs
(Dutchen, 2010)
(Davis, 2009)
The two main consequences of eating a diet without any fat are lack of energy and poor vitamin absorption.
As previously discussed, the breakdown of fatty acids yield a large amount of ATP, or energy, that can be used by the body. In the absence of fat, the body is forced to utilize carbohydrates for energy which yield less ATP and are quickly depleted. The effect on the body is unregulated energy production, leading to hunger and fatigue (Mandal, n.d.).
In the absence of dietary fat, the body would also be