Fat metabolism

Fat metabolism is the biochemical process by which fats in the body are either synthesized or broken down to produce energy. The metabolism of fats involves a series of enzymatic reactions that lead to the synthesis of ATP, the body's main energy source.

Overview

Fat metabolism begins in the digestive system, where fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol. These molecules are then transported to the cells, where they are either stored for later use or immediately used to produce energy.

The process of breaking down fats for energy is known as beta-oxidation. This process occurs in the mitochondria of cells and involves the removal of two carbon atoms at a time from the fatty acid chain. This results in the production of acetyl-CoA, which can then enter the citric acid cycle to produce ATP.

The process of synthesizing fats is known as lipogenesis. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and involves the conversion of excess glucose or protein into fatty acids. These fatty acids can then be stored in the form of triglycerides in adipose tissue for later use.

Regulation

The regulation of fat metabolism is complex and involves a number of hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and epinephrine. Insulin promotes the storage of fats, while glucagon and epinephrine promote the breakdown of fats for energy.

Disorders

Disorders of fat metabolism can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. These disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, poor diet, and lack of exercise.

See also

• Carbohydrate metabolism
• Protein metabolism
• Metabolic pathway
• Metabolic disorder

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